Toronto Maple Leafs

Players Burke Might Be Eyeing As Free Agents

I know it’s very early to be contemplating this list, but I figured getting names down in a comprehensive fashion would foster discussion around these parts.

Here is a brief summary of potential UFA’s Brian Burke might be considering for the Leafs. I am NOT advocating that he sign any or all of them. As we get closer to the deadline I’ll make my personal preferences clear. This is where I point out that I predicted the Kubina, Hagman, and (sort of) the Finger signing. I also predicted a lot of signings that didn’t even come CLOSE to happening… and I’m not Eklund so don’t bother reminding me that I was wrong. I’m not claiming to be tapped into any secret anonymous sources for any of this, I’m just sharing what I think makes sense.

So here it goes:

Francois Beauchemin, ANA - currently making $1.65 million a season. Depending on his contract demands, Anaheim might not be able to afford him. He definitely makes the Leafs D more “trucculent” and adds a physical edge while still providing a decent level of offensive production. If the Leafs deal away one of Kubina or Kaberle he’d be a nice, affordable, replacement.

Todd Marchant, ANA - $2.66 million. While not particularly sizable, Marchant’s speed would definitely be an asset to the Leafs, and he would be more than comfortable in a checking line Centre role. Playing him alongside the likes of Hagman and Devereaux would give the Leafs one of the speediest checking lines in the NHL, and they might toss in the occasional goal to boot.

Maxim Afinogenov, BUFF - $3.5 million. Not particularly productive this past season, Afinogenov might be available at a small fraction of his cost last season. He would immediately inject some offensive flair to the Leafs forward corps, and would be very dynamic playing alongside the likes of Grabovski and Kulemin. He’s also entirely probable to go home to play in the KHL where he can likely fetch more money than will be available for him in the NHL. Not sure it makes a tonne of sense given his lack of physicality, but again his speed is a huge asset.

Dominic Moore, BUFF - $900,000. So much for being worth more than Burke thinks he’s worth. Moore played damn well alongside Jason Blake and because of that he might be considered for a return in order to reprise his role from earlier this past season. Don’t be surprised if he’s offered a “reasonable” amount and if he jumps at the chance to return to his home town (where he actually produced for once) to play under Ron Wilson.

Mike Camalleri, CAL - $3.6 million. Led the Flames in goal scoring and will probably earn a raise after his production this season. He tailed off in the playoffs though, so the Leafs might be able to pay slightly less for him. Expect there to be a bidding war for his services though, he won’t come cheaply. He’s likely near the top of the list of potential Burke signings.

Todd Bertuzzi, CAL - $1.95 million. Letting Bertuzzi walk would be an easy way for the Flames to help control their spend next season. Obviously Bertuzzi is a favourite of Burke as he has played for him on 2 separate teams already. He’s also familiar with Dave Nonis, so don’t be shocked if they pursue him. He’s a local boy, having grown up in South Western Ontario but there may be a large fan backlash if they bring in a player who broke a guys neck. Veteran “leadership” of this sort might be something the Leafs want to avoid, but he would immediately raise the chances of seeing a Leaf kill someone at centre ice.

Erik Cole, CAR - $4 million. A power forward with speed and skill, Cole didn’t really mesh with the program in Edmonton following his deal there last off-season. The ‘Canes brought him back and now he’s playing with Eric Staal on their top line again. Based on his play so far in the post-season I’d expect that Carolina plan on bringing him back. If he does make it to Free Agency though, his style of play would mesh well with what the Leafs are trying to bring to the table.

Wade Brookbank, CAR - $475,000. Would add a level of physical edge to the soft Leafs. He’d also likely sign relatively cheaply.

Samuel Pahlsson, CHI - $1.4 million. A huge favourite of Brian Burke during his time in Anaheim, Pahlsson would immediately take over the job of shut down centre on the Leafs. He would likely sign for around $2 million a year, and the Leafs would be happy to have him I’m sure. No real negatives are obvious to me with this signing, but it’s quite likely Chicago will try to retain his services if they have the room under the salary cap.

Martin Havlat, CHI - $6 million. He isn’t worth the cost considering how many games he averages a season, but he would definitely add offensive punch to the Leafs. His play is scintillating when he’s healthy, but that last part is the problem. I sincerely doubt that Burke will offer anything close to $6 million to a player this fragile. Probably a non-starter.

Ian Laperriere, COL - $1.15 million. Considering the push for a rebuild in Colorado, Laperriere may be on his way out. He’s tough as nails, and he works his butt off every shift, thus making him the exact type of player Burke and Wilson want on the team. If the Leafs were to bring in a player like Laperriere to play alongside the likes of Pahlsson and Hagman, they would have one of the more formidable shut down lines in the NHL.

Jason Williams, CBJ - $2.2 million. Undersized and injury prone, but defensively responsible and very skilled centre ice man. Likely wouldn’t cost a lot more than $2.5 million a year for the Leafs to sign him.

Manny Malholtra, CBJ - $1.5 million. Physical, checking line centre with a reasonable dose of speed who provides the occasional goal. He reminds me a lot of Jamal Mayers. Ok maybe they SHOULDN’T bother.

Brendan Morrison, DAL - $2.75 million. If the Leafs decide to turn themselves into a Canucks reuinion tour, this would be a signing to add to the list. I hope it doesn’t happen, but it wouldn’t be out of left field if it does.

Jay Bouwmeester, FLA - $4.875 million. Hands down the pick of the litter. Immediately becomes the Leafs top D man for the foreseeable future. Will likely cost at least 10 arms, and a zillion legs just to speak to him. Don’t think this one is very likely, but we can dream can’t we?

Jassen Cullimore, FLA - $830,000. Way cheaper, but he adds some grit and toughness on the back end, and he won’t cost much.

Craig Anderson, FLA - $575,000. Solid season as a semi-starter for the Panthers. He could carry part of the load should the Gustavsson signing fall through. Definitely something to consider if your name is Brian Burke.

Marian Gaborik, MIN - $7.5 million. He’ll cost a tonne of dough, and he’ll probably be injured most of the time… should we bite? If we don’t, some idiot will somewhere else. When he’s healthy he’s one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NHL.

Kurt Foster, MIN - $1.025 million. Tough rear-guard that would make the Leafs a bit harder to play against. He’d also provide a level of veteran leadership, and would help develop Luke Schenn some more.

Mike Komisarek, MON - $1.9 million. Sure he’s been over-rated for a couple of years by the Montreal press and Habs fans, but he’s still a damn good shot blocker and he hits a lot. I wouldn’t mind a Leafs D with him involved. If they can sign him for under $5 million I don’t think it’s a bad deal. Only happens if they can ditch one of Kaberle or Kubina though.

Greg De Vries, NAS - $2.75 million. More cost effective than some of the other blue line options. He provides veteran leadership and stability… while allowing the Leafs to change some things on the back end. Could likely be had for less than $3 million.

Mike Rupp, NJD - $500,000. Nobody likes playing against him. Should make him a top player in the eyes of Brian Burke.

John Madden, NJD - $2,938,450. He’d fill the same role as the one mentioned earlier for Todd Marchant or Samuel Pahlsson. Any of the three would be acceptable.

Kevin Weekes, NJD - $700,000. He’s been backing up Brodeur for a while and not playing much. He was a decent starter a while ago in Carolina, and he’s a local kid from the GTA. Wouldn’t expect him to win the Vezina, but if they can get away with paying him under $1.5 million, then it’s not a huge gamble.

Nik Antropov, NYR - $2.15 million. Ok this is sentimental on my part. I’m pretty sure based on the complete abscence of an offer from Burke prior to the trade deadline that there isn’t much interest on the part of current Leafs management. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Colton Orr, NYR - $550,000. Considering the fact that Orr is exactly the type of tougher rambunctious player that Burke loves to sign, I don’t see this as a huge stretch by any means. He gives the Leafs some toughness and he’s familiar with strict defensive systems from his time under Tom Renney.

Chris Neil, OTT - $1.2 million. Please God. No. I see this being much talked about as the UFA window approaches. I really hope it doesn’t happen. If it does, I promptly expect to see a few Leafs Neil jerseys floating around town. I’ll try to avoid spitting on them.

Andrew Alberts, PHI - $1.4 million. He’d add some toughness, and he has playoff experience with the Flyers. Could do far worse.

Anterro Niittymaki, PHI - $1.375 million. If the press is to be believed, the Flyers are seeking out Ray Emery at this point. Considering they need to shed some salary somehow, I suppose that means their goalies are up for grabs. Despite the fact they can’t seem to win in the playoffs, they’re still an upgrade on our crap netminding from the past few years. Niittymaki can play alongside country man Toskala if Gustavsson doesn’t work out.

Lasse Kukkonen, PHI - $900,000. I like the way the Finns play the game, and hell they just proved they can do it up to our level with their victory over Canada at the World Championships. Don’t have any real problems with Kukkonen’s game, and he’ll probably come cheap to play with Hagman and Toskala.

Dmitri Kalinin, PHX - $2.1 million. He’s not a superstar, or even an all-star… but he’s passable in his own end, and has decent offensive instincts. He was a top 4 blue liner for years in Buffalo, including when they rose to the top of the NHL. I don’t see there being much wrong with signing him if they can do it at a reasonable price.

Ruslan Fedotenko, PIT - $2.25 million. Power forward with skill. He’s won a cup with Tampa, and he’s a former team-mate of Kubina’s from that same outfit. He’s done well everywhere he’s gone, and I like how he plays. Would like to see the Leafs make him an offer.

Mike Grier, SJS - $1.775 million. Wilson likes him, he works his butt off, and he skates well for a big man. Wouldn’t add much offense, so if they can sign him reasonably cheap it could help the defensive side of things.

Travis Moen, SJS - $925,000. I’m hoping Moen has a soft spot for Burke since he gave him the opportunity to flourish in Anaheim, where he excelled en route to the Stanley Cup. Burke obviously was a fan, so this could be an easy transition for both.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin, VCR - $3.575 million (each).  The two boys that Burke drafted into the NHL have become men under the tutelage of various members of the management in Vancouver.  This summer they are going to become very expensive men.  Burke will definitely be interested, and Dave Nonis is another name they’re familiar with.  The main reason the Canucks may have trouble re-signing them is they have earned a substantial raise, and they’ve already committed $31 million, and they have to re-sign or replace the following players this coming off-season: Mats Sundin, Mattias Ohlund, Taylor Pyatt, Steve Bernier, Kyle Wellwood, Ossi Vaananen, Shane O’Brien, and Jason LaBarbera.  Oh… and the Sedin twins.  If the Sedins cost around $6 million each, that raises the cap number to $43 million, and they still need to fill out their forward ranks… and re-sign a top two defender?

Depending on how deep the Canucks go this off-season (and they’re still looking fairly strong at this point), the Sedins may or may not have high expectations, and the Canucks may or may not be willing to meet them.  This will be one of the most closely watched Free Agent situations off the summer.

Mattias Ohlund, VCR - $3.5 million.  See above.

Taylor Pyatt, VCR - $1.575 million. See above again.

Jason Jaffray, VCR - $500,000.  This kid burned the Marlies pretty bad numerous times in the AHL Calder Cup playoff series they played this year.  He’s got speed and skill, but he’s not a blue chip prospect.  His price wouldn’t be too high… they could make him an offer and see what happens.

Donald Brashear, WAS - $1.2 million.  Burke brought him to Vancouver, and he has played the role of enforcer effectively around the league for years.  His unfortunate past and personal problems aside, he’s got a reasonable reputation as a human being, and seems to be a decent team-mate.  I could get over my memories of him in a Flyers uniform fighting Tie Domi and pounding the snot out of Belak pretty fast if I saw him doing the same things in a Leafs uni.  Anyone else?

Brent Johnson, WAS - $825,000.  He’s injury prone, but he’s not that bad a net minder when healthy.  The Leafs may need a solid back up, and he shouldn’t be expensive.  He usually has a SV% over .900, and he’s played on some pretty bad teams before, so it’s not like he wouldn’t be able to cope with the inability of the D in front of him.  I’d like to see them at least make a pitch to him just to see how much competition they can cultivate in camp.  If Gustavsson signs with the Leafs this is not probable though.