TORONTO (Oct. 22) -- There is an overwhelming perception among fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs that John Ferguson is wasting precious time during Darcy Tucker's hot streak to start the season. That the GM's procrastination will end up costing the club more money the longer he delays in signing Tucker to a contract extension. Like many hockey theories in Leaf Nation, this one is only half-right.

Tucker will indeed wind up costing the Leafs more money... but not as a result of any delay on Ferguson's part. Instead, the gritty winger -- and and his agent, Carlos Sosa -- will look at his strong start to the season; carefully study the Leafs' economic picture, and will not rush into anything with pen and paper. Why would he? As yours truly has mentioned several times, Tucker could well price himself out of Toronto, and he knows it. Though I believe he'd like to remain in a blue and white jersey, as he claims, Tucker appears to be en route to a career season with the Leafs. Should he maintain anything close to his current scoring pace, a host of NHL teams would quarrel for his services next summer, in his first crack at unrestricted free agency. Imagine what a 40-goal campaign could do for him on the open market; how high his value might soar in a bidding exchange among eight or nine teams? Why would Darcy, or any other player in his position, short-change himself now by hastily seeking an extension?

I know what the answer would be among most Leaf fans: That he is so enamoured with playing forever in Toronto, he couldn't fathom pulling on another NHL jersey. That may enter into his decision, but he's too shrewd to lay himself at the feet of the Maple Leafs. Tucker has been among the most economical skaters in the NHL for too many years, and you can rest assure that he'll aim for the sky in his next pact... especially if the negotiations come on the heels of a monster scoring year. It makes almost no sense for him to hurry into a deal at this time. Tucker is in the absolute prime of his career, and is playing his very best hockey. He has a ton of financial catching up to do, and absolutely will not limit himself by suggesting there's only one place on earth he'd consider signing. Moreover, he knows the Leafs have in excess of $18-million tied up in only four players next season (not including Mats Sundin), and that the club may not be able to take on another top-end contract.

This isn't to suggest that Tucker is on his way out of town. We all know that both sides can make a deal work, if they want it badly enough. But, this particular circumstance goes way beyond any sort of dithering by the Maple Leafs. There are too many potential options available to Tucker for him to jump at anything Toronto might now be offering. Sure, there is always the risk of injury to consider, but most athletes roll the dice in their contract years, especially if they are playing at an optimum level. Expect Tucker to carefully deliberate all possibilities before he commits to anything beyond the current NHL season.

Wouldn't you?

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