… Free Agent Frenzy, and all through the NHL …
Imagine the pressure amounting on each NHL General Manager today. How do you deal with the pressure of attempting to grab that first player out of the gates.
There are two ways to recognize what the Leafs will be doing come tomorrow at noon.
First scenario is involving a trade, while the second involves a status quo as far as the roster is concerned as of Saturday morning.
The rumor is that Pavel Kubina will be moved in order to free up some cap space and add up-front talent.
I don’t like dealing with rumors (pretty crazy considering this is a rumors site). I like facts, finished deals and the big picture.
I’ve made it common knowledge that I am a fan of Kubina’s. Regardless of the $5 million salary, he is an elite level defenseman in the NHL. It wasn’t only the Leafs that offered him a hefty contract last summer, there were other teams willing to dish out more in recognition of his talents.
That in itself is one of the identifying characteristics of the Czech’s abilities. GM’s around the league were willing to make him an integral part of a defensive corp. at a similar if not larger cap hit.
Unless a GM is reading this (buddy, I need a job) then I can’t see any form of criticism on Kubina’s part that would justify an overwhelming sense of negativity.
I maintained all season that by season’s end, Kubina would become a fan favorite in Toronto.
Was I wrong?
Does the contract overshadow the ability of the defenseman?
Besides, with the trend of NHL defenseman, his contract isn’t as hefty as last season. It now falls into a respectable range, along with Bryan McCabe. The Flyers signed Timonen to $6 mill, Montreal signed Markov to $5.75 and it’s almost a surety that Sheldon Souray will receive similar money.
So I maintain that Toronto, even though they are on the verge of making their big UFA splash, should not look to move him.
If they don’t then the scenario is fairly simple. One up-front free agent could be added, unless two come at bargain rates; that is highly unlikely.
One of Ryan Smyth, Jason Blake, or Paul Kariya could be added via free agency, while the rest of the roster remains status quo.
Should Toronto successfully rid themselves of a contract (and lose a valuable defenseman in the process), the $5 million would create about $10 million in space for additions. In this case, the scenario does not change much.
There would still be room for a big name, such as Smyth, with a secondary forward in the form of a Kyle Calder or even Todd Bertuzzi. Or, if the scenario plays itself out, a wild card (see below).
The following are the thoughts on the available talent and their fit into the blue and white.
Ryan Smyth
Would be an excellent complimentary player on Sundin’s wing. Long term, he could take over as the Leafs captain, regardless of whether his abilities garner front line status. In the short term, the Leafs add 30 goals (I’ve always pictured him as a 30/30 player).
Jason Blake
Yes, he scored 40 goals with the Isles last season, and GM’s will look at those stats, realizing he could be an elite player in the NHL. Having said that, there isn’t only talent that must be taken into consideration. In watching Blake, the one resounding quality observed was selfishness. Not in the conventional way, but he is quick, shifty and has hands. Unfortunately, he doesn’t utilize his linemates very well. Prior to being placed on a line with Alexei Yashin in November, Blake’s scoring occurred on secondary units. This is a team game, however, and if the qualities show signs of scoring by doing the solo things right, it might make sense to take a pass on the player.
Paul Kariya
Pure offensive talent, diminutive but makes it up in speed and offensive awareness. A perfect compliment for Mats, with a great work ethic and clear vision. Can he be able to perform in a market such as Toronto, with the high-profile nature of the religion that is Leafs Nation? Why not? It is still a game when it comes down to it and regardless of the commitments on the media side, his on-ice talents deserve merit for consideration.
Brendan Shanahan
The Wild Card. If there was a player out there that would be willing to take a ‘hometown discount’ (hate that term, but it is what it is) then why wouldn’t Shanahan be that player? Hailing from Mimico, a borough of Toronto, why wouldn’t he take the chance of playing in the blue and white as his career dies down. He scored at a fairly regular clip in 2006-07 and remained a dominant player with the Blueshirts. Couldn’t he take a lessened contract in terms of years, (and dollars) and add the 30 goals that Toronto is seeking from first-line talent? He’s won Cups with the Red Wings, has valuable Stanley Cup Playoffs experience and is one of the most respected hockey players in the league. Although it may be a slim possibility, Shanny would be an ideal winger for the Buds.
Ladislav Nagy
There is no question that he has elite skills, but work ethic and durability are question marks. With the fragility of Nik Antropov is there any reason to bring in another player that could spend time in the press box? Although it is a possibility, if I was GM, it would not be in Toronto.
Kyle Calder
I like what Calder brings to an organization. He may not be the talent that left the Blackhawks, but during those days, he partnered up with Mark Bell to form Chicago’s number one line. The addition of Calder with a center like Stajan could be an interesting combination.
Todd Bertuzzi
Although there may be many teams willing to take on the massive winger, Toronto should not be one of them. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Moore incident, but rather the style that he plays. He was able to perform in a clutch and grab league due to his size and stability, able to do things on his own at that stage, but in the free-flowing NHL, he loses that ability. He isn’t as fast as the speed of the current game and is often caught a step out of position. The pace itself can turn in an instant and this was evidenced in the playoffs with the Wings. Toronto got their form of Bertuzzi in Mark Bell. It would be a duplicate signing, and unfruitful.
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