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Toronto Maple Leafs: Post Draft Roster Options

ByBruce Harte Ashley|
Apr 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan talks to the press during a press conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan talks to the press during a press conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 20, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres (24) is named a star of the game after the Ducks beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 during the overtime period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres (24) is named a star of the game after the Ducks beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 during the overtime period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Simon Despres, RHD, bought-out by the Anaheim Ducks/ free agent

Recently, I did a piece touting the virtues of signing Simon Despres. After spending most of the past two seasons recovering from concussions, the Ducks bought him out. In fact, Anaheim needed to clear cap space for Josh Manson’s contract extension. With Despres history of injuries, Bob Murray decided the risks outweighed the possible gains.

"“The Ducks acquired Despres for Ben Lovejoy at the 2015 trade deadline. He is a lefty but moved to the right side meshing with Cam Fowler during the rest of the 2014-15 season and the playoffs. He impressed earning a 5 year $18.5 million dollar contract.”"

While he does not add much offensively, he brings a strong physical presence to his game. Despres suffered two serious head checks during the 2015-16 season. He dressed for only one game since.

With his history of concussions, teams will stay away from the 6’4, 225 lbs. defenceman. If healthy, he will garner interest across the league. As Per Cap Friendly, the Ducks will pay Despres $662,500 per season until 2024-25.
I am not sure what interest if any, the Leafs have in Despres however, in my opinion, he is a very intriguing option. Low risk, high reward. Financially a winner. A perfect partner for Rielly or Gardiner.

Signing Simon Despres is a Home Run

The smallest things end up a vital cog.

Above all, every fan loves the home run, yet a bunt, single, double and even sacrifices play a role in the eventual success or failure of a team. The smallest things end up becoming a vital cog. The Toronto Maple Leafs of past years would swing for the fences, often striking out. The new management understands; every move, however insignificant it may seem, can become the difference between failure, and a Stanley Cup.

In conclusion, with so many options, what would you do? Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.

Thanks for reading.

all stats: eliteprospects.com, capfriendly.com, own the puck.blogspot.ca, hockeydb.com

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