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Toronto Maple Leafs: Komarov Has The Empire State In Mind

By Josh Tessler

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Leo Komarov (47) waits to shoot before Game 5 of the First Round for the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 21, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Leo Komarov (47) waits to shoot before Game 5 of the First Round for the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 21, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs’ winger, Leo Komarov looks like he won’t be returning.

On July 1st, Komarov will be a UFA. The native of Narva, Estonia spent five seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 327 games with the organization, he registered a total of 52 goals, 70 assists, 138 PIM and 21 PPP.  He was an asset in the defensive zone as he posted a 48.3 corsi-for percentage (CF%), 1,160 hits, 174 blocks and 202 takeaways.

He will certainly be missed, but it is time for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization to move on. The Maple Leafs have a bunch of wingers on the roster and in the system. In the playoffs, it was evident that Komarov was being phased out and Andreas Johnsson was being put in his place.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like Komarov will be without a home for way too long.

Earlier today, David Pagnotta, Editor in Chief of The Fourth Period, tweeted that the New York Rangers have been speaking with Komarov about him packing his bags and heading down the New York Thruway. In the tweet below, Pagnotta explains that the Rangers have been discussing a multi-year deal with Komarov. Additionally, the Rangers could potentially finalize the deal on Sunday, the first day of free agency.

Where Will Komarov Fit?

My assumption is that the Rangers are looking to cut ties with left-winger, Paul Carey and put Komarov in his spot in the lineup.

Carey will be a UFA on Sunday and my guess is that the Rangers have seen enough from the 29 year old.

Last season, Carey played in 60 games. He collected 7 goals, 7 assists, 20 PIM, 67 hits, 22 blocks, 21 takeaways, 40.5 CF% and a 91.3 oiSV%.

If you compare Komarov’s stats from last year to Carey’s, you’ll see that Komarov was the better winger. Komarov totaled 7 goals, 12 assists, 31 PIM, 219 hits, 48 blocks, 47 takeaways, 44.8 CF% and a 93.7 oiSV%. In addition, Komarov played an average of around 5 minutes more per game than Carey.

As long as the Rangers don’t have to shell out a good chunk of change, it would be a good signing for Jeff Gorton, the general manager for the Rangers. In all likelihood, the Rangers could probably convince Komarov to sign 2 or 3 three year deal for a 1.5 million USD average annual value. Even if Gorton has to pay 2 million per season, it’s still a good signing. The Rangers would be adding a hard-nosed veteran. Komarov will be a solid mentor for the young Rangers team.

Next: Four Players the Leafs Could Add This Summer

stats from NHL.com and hockey-reference.com, contract research from capfriendly.com

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