Insider links Maple Leafs to recently acquitted ex-Flames forward

With the five players involved in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case now acquitted of all charges, the focus has shifted to the potential resumption of their NHL careers.

Goaltender Carter Hart has taken up most of the oxygen around the hockey world; however, depth forwards Dillon Dube and Michael McLeod are expected to draw considerable interest themselves.

While they won't be able to suit up in game action until December 1, it seems likely that they'll be finding new homes sooner rather than later. 

TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger certainly feels that's the case, and he believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs will be among those in the running to land Dillon Dube. Here was what he said during an appearance on "First Up" on Monday morning.

"McLeod and Dube are not going to have any problems finding homes, NHL homes; they're just not. And, you know, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs put their hat in the ring, take a decent swing at Dillon Dube. I mean, there's history there, of course, that goes back to the Calgary days between Dube and Brad Treliving," Dreger said.

"Doesn't mean that Toronto's a frontrunner. Doesn't mean that the Maple Leafs are going to land Dillon Dube. But, I mentioned earlier about their want for a top-six forward. The assumption is that a player like that could come in and fill that role," Dreger added.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Treliving and the Leafs put their hat in the ring" @DarrenDreger made his season debut on #First Up and told us that #LeafsForever are potentially interested in Dillon Dube. Would you like to see Dube on the Leafs? Let us know! 👇 pic.twitter.com/9jW72myI9H

As Dreger refers to, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is very connected to Dube, having drafted the 27-year-old in the second round (56th overall) back in 2016 with Calgary. 

Dube had some solid years with the Flames

While signing Dillon Dube is going to be controversial to many, there's no denying his on-ice abilities that could benefit a team like Toronto.

Prior to having his 2023-24 campaign cut short due to the accusations, Dube had recorded three consecutive seasons with double-digit goals, including a career-best 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 2022-23.

It's hard to say what kind of money he'll earn on a potential contract, but with just under $2 million available in cap space, the Maple Leafs are positioned to make a push for Dillon Dube in free agency.