It’s only June, and the victory-starved Toronto Maple Leafs have already suffered a loss.

Their play for Steven Stamkos, the would-be free agent they wooed in a meeting Monday that included Toronto mayor John Tory and the CEO of Canadian Tire, Michael Medline, proved fruitless. Stamkos took himself off the upcoming market Wednesday afternoon, signing an eight-year, $68-million extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

With that door slammed shut, Toronto can turn its attention to other possibilities. While no available player will have a Stamkos-sized impact, the Maple Leafs do have needs to address. Paramount among them is determining exactly what they have in their developing batch of prospects, which will require patience and thoughtful veteran additions. 

Toronto will likely take its time weighing options, but here are five free agents they could target:

Embedded ImageBrian Campbell, Defence
2015-16 Cap Hit: $7.1 million
Coming off a contract year where he tallied 31 points (six goals, 25 assists), averaged 22 minutes a night and was power-play point man for the Florida Panthers, Campbell proved he’s still an asset at 37. But with Keith Yandle’s arrival in Sunrise, Campbell will be looking for work elsewhere. He comes with championship pedigree (from the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks) and is a high-character type the Leafs want to surround their young talent with. A two-year pact in Toronto could work for both sides.

Embedded ImageDan Hamhuis, Defence
2015-16 Cap Hit: $5 million
While Campbell is coming off a stellar contract season, Hamhuis, 33, just finished the worst statistical year of his career. His 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 58 games with the Vancouver Canucks was his lowest total as a pro. A change of scenery would do the veteran good. He excels on the penalty kill, still averages at least 20 minutes of ice time a game and he’s a left shot, which Toronto desperately needs. Hamhuis also has a connection to coach Mike Babcock, having played for Team Canada at the Sochi Olympics.

Embedded ImageDarren Helm, Centre
2015-16 Cap Hit: $2.12 million
A speedy offensive threat who could succeed where Michael Grabner failed in Toronto, Helm, 29, is another known quantity to the team’s staff. In part of eight of his nine seasons with the Red Wings organization, Helm played under Babcock, posting his career-high 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 2014-15. He also won a Stanley Cup there in 2008. While injuries have hampered Helm in recent years, he’s versatile, playing centre or on the wing, and he contributes on special teams. For the right term and the price, Helm is worth a look.

Embedded ImageJiri Hudler, Centre
2015-16 Cap Hit: $4 million
The Lady Byng Trophy winner in 2015 after a career-best 76-point season, Hudler, 32, put up solid numbers playing for the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers last season (16 goals, 30 assists). But those totals were well down from 2014-15 (31 goals, 45 assists) and left him off the Team Czech Republic roster for the World Cup. He would be ideal in a supporting role for the Maple Leafs, adding veteran presence with some offensive punch. Plus, Hudler also shares a connection Babcock, having played for his Red Wings from 2005-2012.

Embedded ImageLee Stempniak, Right Wing
2015-16 Cap Hit: $850,000
With how frequently Stempniak changes addresses (he’s played for nine teams in 11 seasons, including Toronto from 2008-10), where he lands is anyone’s guess. But there’s a case to be made for him with the Maple Leafs. On a young team, Stempniak, 33, is a value option who brings stability. He fits in with just about anyone, creates space for his linemates and with a Corsi hovering around 50 per cent, he offers a reliable offensive presence. His durability is also a bonus. Over his career, Stempniak has only missed extended time to injury between 2011 and 2013 in Calgary (he played in just 108 games over those two seasons).