Toronto Maple Leafs: JVR Is Going To Get Paid

As the Toronto Maple Leafs are yet to sign pending UFA James Van Riemsdyk, his stock just keeps on rising.

In the previous off-season, T.J Oshie of the Washington Capitals re-signed with the club on a long-term deal, but he took less money in doing so. The silky smooth right-winger signed an eight-year – $5.75 million contract. He probably could have gotten more money, but the Capitals felt they were in win-now mode and must do something to keep this core together (even though it will hurt them a few years down the road).

I talk about the Oshie deal as I see a possible relation between the two American-born wingers and their respective clubs.

What A Deal Would Look Like

JVR has had a strong start to the season as he currently leads the Toronto Maple Leafs in goals with 15. Now I know Auston Matthews would be leading that category if he played the same amount of games as Van Riemsdyk, but let’s give credit where credit is due.

With his play this season, the big 6-foot-3 winger is going to get a hefty amount of cash, and his stock is only going to go up. JVR is also poised to be a top player in this summers weak free agency class, which leaves him as the top candidate to get paid.

As reported by the Toronto Star, JVR is seeking $6 million per year, but on a long-term contract of 7-8 years.

When you think about that deal, you have to ask yourself, “Will the Leafs want JVR when he’s 37?” The answer should be no. The Leafs should not be looking into a long-term contract with him, as they will not want to be stuck with that contract as it could be a burden to them in future when needing to sign younger players.

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A more realistic deal would be 3-4 years, but with lesser years, comes a higher AAV. The Leafs would be looking at something in the $8 million range.

Worth It?

I hate to say it, and I will receive backlash for this, but no. Why risk paying JVR too much money when it’s a set up for total contract disaster?

Will the Capitals like Oshie’s deal in five years or even less? Not a chance. They probably don’t even like it now. The last thing the Leafs need is a bad contract on their books, especially in a time when they’ll need to sign younger players.

A line shuffle would come with a JVR trade, but I believe the Leafs have pieces to make it work without him.

Sitting in the minors are players capable of making the push up to the NHL and I think it’s their time. JVR has been a great Leaf, but I think his time has come to a close.

Players like, Kasperi Kapanen, Josh Leivo and Nikita Soshnikov are just some names that come to mind when talking of a JVR replacement. If you want to keep that size and net presence in the line-up, I think you turn to Leivo. But if the Leafs look in a different direction, I think it’s Kapanen’s time.

Conclusion

I guess I have already made my conclusion to the JVR topic, but take this into perspective.

The Leafs are in the early stages of becoming a dynasty and making their push for the cup year in and year out. This is a young team, and their time will come when their time does come. It will be soon, but let’s not rush in and sign JVR long-term thinking “Let’s go for the cup now.” and maybe lose money in the long-run when needing to sign young core players.

It’s known that JVR is not in talks right now about a contract extension, but talks could pick up anytime.

Next: Karlsson Fantasy Trade Scenario

Wait and see time.