Toronto Maple Leafs: Free Agent Kris Russell Rumor Leaked

Add Kris Russell to rumors involving a defenseman and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This one kind of crept up on me as I was sitting with my Tim Hortons coffee, scouring the internet for all things Toronto Maple Leafs.

Honestly, I can’t say that Russell’s name has appeared once in my mind over the past couple of months.

I’ve been swept up with all the big names, the idea that the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild are the only options for the Leafs.

Toronto media, huh?

Just kidding, but I actually like Russell, so let’s dive a little deeper into the idea of Toronto acquiring him via free agency.

His Statistics

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Russell was drafted 67th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and has since racked up 39 goals and 190 points in 641 games played.

Basically, he’s a grizzled veteran that’s not on the good side of 30 or on the wrong side because he’s literally 30 years old.

Perfect, right in the middle.

Here’s the problem most will have with the guy.

Russell’s 5’10” and weighs about 170 lb, not to mention he’s a left-hand shot.

The good news is that he can play well on the right side and has a lot.

So, as a lefty capable of playing the right side, it’s not terrible, but definitely not the desired candidate for the job when just looking at that one fact.

As for size, well, I’m not overly worried about it, but what I am worried about is his durability.

When you play a rough style of hockey like he does, it’s hard to see a full 82 game season.

Cap Talk

He’s seen a steady increase in regards to his salary over the years but hasn’t been spoiled by overpaying contracts.

After his contract with the Calgary Flames expired at the end of the 2015-16 season, he signed with the Edmonton Oilers as an unrestricted free agent carrying a cap hit of $3.1 million for one year.

That term is now over and he’ll again be a UFA on July 1, 2017.

I’d imagine that Russell will see a pay raise with whichever team he signs to next

However, I’d bet money on his contract not exceeding $4 million per year.

And that’s a gracious $4 million, but if you’re the Leafs and you already know this guy will sign one-three year contracts, then overpay and get him.

He’s never been signed to more than three years, by the way.

Regardless of Russell being a lefty, he would immediately help the Leafs blueline.

Think of him as a low-risk-high-reward type deal.

The Rumor

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal broke down a conversation that Mark Spector of Sportsnet had on Oilers Now.

It’s a good breakdown, so give it a read.

I’ll now jump on over to Mark Easson of NHL Trade Rumors for the Cliff Notes version, which by the way I love.

Here’s what Spector had to say.

"I’ve been hearing Toronto is interested in Russell as well because he’s the kind of guy that can play for Babcock. Listen, we all watched him in the playoffs. Corsi be damed and all this other stuff. Everyone listening to this show saw his value with their own two eyes all through last season and the playoffs. So did everyone else in the NHL."

There you have it, my new catch phrase, “Corsi be damned and all this other stuff.”

As I said, Toronto has the power to give Russell more money with a chance at greatness for the next few years.

The more and more I think about it, the more and more I’m falling in love with the idea of not trading away valuables, just yet.

Hey, I’m allowed to be persuaded differently.

Just wait, July 1, 2017, will come quicker than you could ever imagine.

If I were the Leafs and the opportunity pleasantly presented itself, I’d pull the trigger before someone else does.

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