Whom of the Leaf UFAs coming up over the next year or two would you consider offering another contract to? Perhaps none of them? But if you did, how much and how long. Here are my thoughts:
JVR, 27: Obviously if you could get the right d-man, he would bring the most in return. But 30-goal guys don't grow in trees (and neither do the type of young d-man the Leafs would probably want in return). And, if the right deal isn't there, I would like to see how he performs in playoff pressure. If he showed leadership in the playoffs, I would consider extending him 4-years to age 32 under the right dollars, $5.5 would be my max. He would probably want more, but might consider a team discount if he figure the Leafs actual do have the potential to win a Cup over the next few years.
Bozak, 30: Ditto on playoffs leadership. Would only extend him two-year max, at no more than $3.5 million. But also trade bait for right deal. Nevertheless, decent all round player, good faceoff guy, better slotted on 3rd line than 1st.
Komarov, 29: I think he shows the most leadership of upcoming UFAs. Very versatile (PK, PP), plays with edge, well-liked in dressing room, and can probably stick around for a couple extra years at team friendly price. Babcock likes him.
My guess of these three, one or two get dealt, most likely Bozak or JVR, depending on what other teams are looking for and what they have to offer.
Others: Ben Smith will be gone and Lupul is not even in the discussion. All other UFAs on defence and on Marlies will be gone. Hunwick may hang on for a bit as a 6-7 guy, but probably not.
Also, what UFAs upcoming on other teams would you target, if any?
JVR, 27: Obviously if you could get the right d-man, he would bring the most in return. But 30-goal guys don't grow in trees (and neither do the type of young d-man the Leafs would probably want in return). And, if the right deal isn't there, I would like to see how he performs in playoff pressure. If he showed leadership in the playoffs, I would consider extending him 4-years to age 32 under the right dollars, $5.5 would be my max. He would probably want more, but might consider a team discount if he figure the Leafs actual do have the potential to win a Cup over the next few years.
Bozak, 30: Ditto on playoffs leadership. Would only extend him two-year max, at no more than $3.5 million. But also trade bait for right deal. Nevertheless, decent all round player, good faceoff guy, better slotted on 3rd line than 1st.
Komarov, 29: I think he shows the most leadership of upcoming UFAs. Very versatile (PK, PP), plays with edge, well-liked in dressing room, and can probably stick around for a couple extra years at team friendly price. Babcock likes him.
My guess of these three, one or two get dealt, most likely Bozak or JVR, depending on what other teams are looking for and what they have to offer.
Others: Ben Smith will be gone and Lupul is not even in the discussion. All other UFAs on defence and on Marlies will be gone. Hunwick may hang on for a bit as a 6-7 guy, but probably not.
Also, what UFAs upcoming on other teams would you target, if any?