According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Canadiens have signed former Leaf Colby Armstrong to a one year deal for $1 Million.
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According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Leafs have placed a call inquiring about Martin Brodeur to his agent, Pat Brisson.
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Per Brad May of Sportsnet, the Red Wings have signed former Leaf goaltender Jonas Gustavsson to a two year deal.
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If you are expecting big moves from the Toronto Maple Leafs when the clock strikes 12 today, prepare yourself for disappointment.
GM Brian Burke stated earlier in the week that his club would not be big players in free agency and with the prices expected for a pool of players that doesn't exactly inspire awe, that is probably a good thing.
Toronto has a little over $14 Million under the cap after the buyout of Colby Armstrong yesterday opened another $2 Million, but they are not going to put that money toward a bid on an impact player like Zach Parise, who could draw as much as $8 Million per season on a long term deal.
The cost of doing business is going to be high, based on the contracts already signed. Toronto had been rumored to have interest in ex-Buffalo Sabres center Paul Gaustad, but last night he signed a four year extension with Nashville for $13 Million.
It is expected that Burke and his management team will be targeting mostly forwards with size and energy, as well as experience that could bolster the leadership on the club.
Veterans like Shane Doan are an intriguing and would fit into Burke's plans of adding a player who can supplement his young core talent, but all indications that the 35 year old Doan is going to sign with another Western Conference club or re-sign with Phoenix.
SI's Adrian Dater reported yesterday that he expects the Leafs to put a bid in on free agent Daniel Winnik, a 27 year old Toronto native who split time between San Jose and Colorado last season. Rangers forward and London, Ontario product Brandon Prust has also been rumored to be on Toronto's radar, as well as Nashville's Jordan Tootoo.
It is unlikely that the Leafs will put in a serious bid on a goaltender, unless the free agent foray of Martin Brodeur is not a ploy to get more money out of the Devils. After striking out in the Justin Schultz sweepstakes, the pursuit of a blueliner is not at the top of their needs list.
Check back throughout the day for updates and rumors of who the Leafs are pursuing.
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