Toronto Maple Leafs

I Am Over The Pogge Thing - Now On To Free Agency

This coming off season SHOULD allow Leafs fans to feel the bellowing winds of change in full force. Personally I doubt much of anything is going to alter the landscape drastically. Acknowledging this as a given, it is still worth it to analyze the potential free agent signings again in light of where this club might be headed. To that end, I turn your attention to a few of the best available options on the forward end of things.

Corey Perry (RFA): Perry was a beast for Anaheim this season, prior to suffering a leg laceration that knocked off most of the end of his year for the Ducks. He was on pace to end up as one of the top power forwards in the NHL from a goals, points, and PIM’s perspective. He combines power and finesse in an awesome combination that scouts have drooled over since his days leading the London Knights in record setting campaigns as they dominated the OHL, and CHL. His 29 goals and 24 assists in 70 games, would make him comfortably a top line player on the Leafs. Unfortunately, Anaheim will likely work quickly to lock the young gun up before the July 1st free agency deadline. Should he go unsigned past then, expect an offer sheet similar to that thrown at Dustin Penner or Thomas Vanek last season. If the Leafs decide to walk away from Sundin, this might make Perry a viable replacement, and it would also be a not too subtle reminder to Brian Burke that he may want the job in Toronto after all.

Ryan Malone (UFA): The Pittsburgh fan favourite finished 135th in the NHL in points per game, and was 167th in ice-time per point. If you compare him to other tough players in the league though, the perspective changes a little. Amongst players with over 100 penalty minutes, Malone was 4th in ice-time per point, behind only Brendan Morrow, Corey Perry, and Sean Avery. He had the 2nd highest +/- rating in the 100+ PIM group behind Morrow, with a +14 rating. He was the 3rd leading goal scorer in the 100+ PIM group behind Morrow and Perry, with 27 goals. He was tied for the 2nd highest PPG total amongst the 100+ PIM group with 10. Should Perry be resigned, Malone is likely the best of the remaining power forwards.

Sean Avery (UFA): While some would suggest Sean Avery might be a superior free agent signing, I personally doubt Avery would find any fans in the Leafs dressing room amongst his team mates. In addition, his sideshow would seriously mess up the chemistry in a young and developing Leafs squad. Anyone arguing that his influence would be beneficial, needs to consider that he’d be one of the most vocal and outspoken sound bites in Leaf history, with a penache for pissing off the wrong people. Now that I type all this I’m beginning to think it’s MORE likely the Leafs will leap at the chance to sign the super-pest… don’t say I didn’t warn you. Avery works well in a stable situation, but he can make a bad situation worse in a hurry if you let him.

Radim Vrbata (UFA): One of the best purely offensive talents in this selection, Vrbata had a breakout season this past year with the Phoenix Coyotes. He was 94th in ice-time per point in the NHL, he had 27 goals and 29 assists in 76 games, and he currently is the leading scorer on the Czech national team at the IIHF World Hockey Championships thanks to his 2 goal, 2 assist game to open the tourney - this despite playing on the 2nd line. Skill is what Vrbata’s got, and skill is something the Leafs desperately need. He would also add one more piece to the Leafs burgeoning Czech puzzle, alongside Kaberle, Kubina, and Tlusty. It should also be noted that he is only 26 years old… but he has already played 6 seasons in the NHL… with 4 different clubs. Obviously changing scenery hasn’t phased him.

Niklas Hagman (UFA): The Finn finished 204th in the NHL for ice-time per point, and 213th in points per game, but was 424th in the NHL in ice-time per game, while playing for the Dallas Stars. He ended up with 27 goals, at the bargain price of $675,000. He will be 29 next year, and was originally taken 70th overall by Florida in the 3rd round of the NHL entry draft. Hagman provides defensively responsible play, with a touch of offensive skill. He won’t score 50 in the NHL, but he produces in limited ice time, and might benefit from playing on a top 2 line. The Leafs could likely sign him for around what they’re paying Darcy Tucker, and he’d be a younger, less volatile option, that doesn’t hurt you so much in your own end.

These are the players I think the Leafs should show the most interest in but obviously everything from buyouts to cap considerations come into play when negotiating such things. Hopefully the Leafs can make something work to help the team in the near future while protecting themselves long term. I wouldn’t lay any bets to that effect, but I remain  (oh so delusionally) hopeful.