Toronto Maple Leafs

Free Agency Notes

Jonas Gustavsson Decision After July 1st

Sportsnet is reporting that Jonas Gustavsson will wait until after July 1st to make his final decision on a destination in the NHL.  The Leafs have actually stated publicly that if Gustavsson wants to wait until after the opening of Free Agency on Canada Day that they’re fine with that.

Obviously there is a lot riding on the decision for Gustavsson, and his girlfriend apparently has a lot of say in the decision.

According to his agent Joe Resnick he is likely to wait and see what unfolds during Free Agency as it appears a lot of roster changes may be in the works around the league:

“It’s highly unlikely we’ll commit before 12 noon Wednesday. With so many teams potentially making major changes to their rosters, maybe it’s best to wait and watch it unfold first.”

Sedin Twins Digesting Latest Offer From Canucks

According to reports, Mike Gillis is returning from his visit to Sweden and the Sedin twins are meeting with agents to digest the final offer from the Canucks before heading into Unrestricted Free Agency at noon on Wednesday.

Gillis has stated that while the Canucks have budgeted for the retention of their own players, they also hope to make significant additions in the off season, thus it is unlikely they have $10.5 million pencilled in for the next 12 years for the Sedin twins.  If the term is the issue, then the negotiation might not be as far apart as some reports suggest.  If the dollar amount is the problem, this may not be resolved before the Sedins walk.

The Sedins apparently appreciated the gesture of Gillis crossing the pond to speak to them in person, but obviously are still contemplating what they’re likely to get on the open market as the top healthy offensive producers available.

Considering this is their first real chance at a huge pay day as UFA’s - they may well resist the urge to stay in Vancouver where they are comfortable, and instead cash in.  The available dollars in free agency are expected to contract in coming years, and obviously the twins are looking for a level of certainty in their own situation.  A long term deal would go a long way to addressing that concern.

Rob Blake Resigns with Sharks - Trade Market For Kaberle Narrows

The market might have grown narrower as the Sharks re-signed Rob Blake to a 1 year deal worth a reported $3.5 million, but it likely grew slightly more expensive as one of the better offensive D men in the NHL is no longer going to become an unrestricted free agent.

The San Jose Sharks were one of the teams I had pencilled in as considering trading for Tomas Kaberle, but with the return of Rob Blake, and the team’s solid defensive corps likely to remain intact heading into next season, I will now cross them off the list.

The Flyers dropped off the list the moment they dealt for Pronger, although at this point they may be looking to deal a heavy forward contract or two and perhaps move a player like Matt Carle, who at one point played well for Ron Wilson.  If the Leafs were to deal Kaberle to the Flyers in exchange for some younger players, or offensive skill I don’t think many would complain.  Unfortunately they dealt away all their first round picks for the foreseeable future so I don’t see the Leafs being all that interested.

That leaves the Boston Bruins, the Atlanta Thrashers, the Florida Panthers, the Calgary Flames (if they can’t sign Bouwmeester), the Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild, and the NY Rangers as some of the rumoured destinations of note.

In addition I think the LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Dallas Stars should be added to the list because of a need for veteran offensive production from their blue lines.  There is also a strong link between Anaheim and Dallas and Toronto based on the ties of Burke, Nonis, Murray and Nieuwendyk.

Trade talk should be heating up during the week, and as more decisions get made around the NHL, more GMs may grow desperate.  If a bidding war ensues, the Leafs might be able to reap quite the rewarding package(s) for Kaberle or Kubina or both.

Stay tuned Leafs fans.