Maple Leafs: A Comprehensive Guide to an Insufferable Summer.
By William Cann
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Interesting free agents on the market:
Phillip Danault, C – Strong defensive center that tilts the ice in his team’s favor. His last deal paid him a hair over 3 million but he may not have the offensive numbers to ask for a raise. Hard to imagine him taking a deal to play in Toronto. Stranger things have happened.
Paul Stastny, C – Veteran guy that can still play the middle effectively as a third line center. He will be targeted by a lot of teams and might decide to go to a place he feels he can win. He’s coming off of a 6.5 million AAV. He won’t get close to that in his next deal.
Jaden Schwartz, F – Underrated player who can score and knows how to win. Was very effective for the Blues during their Cup run. Will the market prices drive down his value far enough for the Leafs to look at him. His last deal was 5.35 million AAV.
Brandon Saad, F – Still has good speed, will give you 20 goals, and is a proven winner. 28 years old and probably looking for a long-term deal. Last contract was 5 million per and the bidding may get too high for the Leafs.
Blake Coleman, F – Plays wherever you need him and does everything well. Can chip in offensively. Key contributor in Tampa’s Cup run last year. He will get a raise from his expiring 1.8 million AAV. A classic overpay candidate.
Tomas Tatar, F – Smart player who is perennially underrated offensively. Not the fleetest of foot, but knows where to go and what to do. Underperforms in the playoffs. He’s coming off a deal that paid him 4.8 AAV and I doubt he gets close to that number again.
Linus Ullmark, G – Good numbers on a bad team and is entering his prime. His old contract paid him 2.6 million AAV and I don’t think he gets less than that unless he signs with a team as part of a tandem. Have to see how the market plays out, but he probably wants to be a starter.