Pontus Holmberg isn’t the flashiest name on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster, but that’s exactly what makes him so valuable. In a salary-cap world where stars eat up the budget, teams live and die by what they get from their bottom six, and Holmberg quietly delivered in 2024–25.

Here’s why it makes all the sense in the world for GM Brad Treliving to bring him back.

Reason One: Holmberg Brings Maple Leafs Value on a Small Contract

Holmberg made just $800,000 last season, and what the Leafs got in return was a player who could play any forward position, contribute on the penalty kill, and even move up the lineup when needed. That kind of versatility on a bargain deal is pure gold for a team pressed against the cap.

He won’t light up the scoresheet, but he doesn’t have to. As long as he keeps driving play, staying defensively sound, and giving the team flexibility in the lineup, he’s earning every dollar.

Reason Two: Holmberg Fits What Craig Berube Wants

Incoming head coach Craig Berube is known for rewarding dependable, two-way players, and Holmberg checks every box. In fact, Berube has already hinted that he sees more offensive upside in Holmberg’s game than we’ve seen so far. That could be huge.

Despite being scratched at times and bounced around the lineup, Holmberg put up strong defensive numbers and drove play. He finished near the top of the team in expected goals against per 60 minutes. In short, he did everything coaches love—even if it flew under the radar.

With a coach like Berube who trusts him, don’t be surprised if Holmberg gets a more stable role—and takes another step.

Reason Three: Holmberg’s the Kind of Depth You Win With

No, Holmberg isn’t a top-six forward. And that’s okay. Winning teams build on guys like him: versatile, positionally sound, quietly effective, and cheap. His underlying metrics were solid, and his +17 on-ice penalty differential was among the best in the league.

Re-signing Holmberg to an inexpensive deal is low-risk, smart business. It keeps a coach-trusted, team-first player in the system, and gives the Maple Leafs another reliable piece in the puzzle as they reshape the roster.

The Bottom Line for Holmberg and the Maple Leafs

For fans in Toronto—and back home in Sweden—Holmberg quietly became one of those “glue guys” you miss when he’s gone. He earned a longer look, and the Leafs would be smart to give it to him.

Related: What the Oilers’ Comeback Revealed About the Maple Leafs