Toronto Maple Leafs: Defining Value for Pending UFAs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have three prominent pending unrestricted free agents in their last year under contract.

There’s been a lot of conversation regarding if these Toronto Maple Leafs players have a lot of value or not.

Well, let’s talk a little bit about that.

For the sake of this article, we’re going to be primarily talking about trade value, only slightly delving into their team value.

It’ll make sense when we get there and I think you’ll be able to distinguish the difference.

For those of you that don’t know, I’m talking about James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, and Leo Komarov.

Three players that have been through thick and thin with the team.

That being said, let’s define their value.

Defining Value

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Could one, two, three or none of the above bring in a lot if they were involved in a trade?

Sure, but they also might not be able to do that.

In my opinion, their value is not as high as most people think and I know you’ve read my thoughts on this before on multiple occasions.

Here are three major things going against the high-value talk.

• Their age
• Expiring contracts
• Resigning

Okay, that’s covered.

None of them are necessarily young (maybe we can squeeze van Riemsdyk in there), they’re all in the last year of their contracts and will need to be resigned.

The having to be resigned part is the biggest issue most will have.

Yes, van Riemsdyk is a really consistent power forward that can bring in the points, Bozak’s a great leader that’s good positionally and Uncle Leo’s a hard hitting grit guy.

All valuable assets to have on any team, including the Leafs.

In my opinion, they don’t carry that much value in terms of a trade, though, unless it’s near the trade deadline and a team is desperate for something.

Leading us to the trade deadline talk.

Trade deadline

Here’s how I see it playing out.

If the Leafs are playing well and playoff hopes are there – if not, for the most part, secured, then why would you trade these guys?

You wouldn’t.

Now, if the Leafs have been plagued by the injury bug or some other reason that it makes the playoffs a dream, then explore trade options a little more.

In the end, if we have to let these guys walk, then so be it.

If we can resign one that makes sense, then great, do it.

The people that’ll be making these decisions are not stupid, they know what’s best for the organization and most importantly, they know more than us.

Next: Don't Trade Bozak for Holden

Trust management, trust the plan and let’s see what happens.