Leaf free-agent moves coming up this week
I spoke with Ferguson's assistants last night (well, mostly my one friend in Fergie's office). At the beginning of the week, there was hope the Leafs could ice a contender for the upcoming season, but sky-high contract prices have derailed those hopes. Therefore, there has been a subtle change in direction, with an intention to unload the cash for the 2006 season. Ferguson is upset that he is being blamed for the inactivity of the team, but most of the big contract money committed by the club is thanks to Pat Quinn when he was the manager. Current offers the Leafs have made include:
1.) Defense remains the priority. Roman Hamrlik was offered a contract, a 3-year, 3.25 million (same as McCabe's salary) to play for Toronto, on Thursday night. It isn't expected he will sign for this discounted amount, however, especially since Brian Rafalski (a comparable defender) re-signed with NJ for more money the next day.
2.) On Friday, Toronto made a $1 million dollar, incentive-laden contract to Scott Stevens, with the same loaded bonus structure Allison received because Stevens was unavailable for play, just like Allison was. Stevens is reportedly interested, but wants to remain with the Devils. In contact with Stevens' agent, he told Leaf's brass that he is waiting on NJ's offer, which figures to be dependent on passing medical tests as well. The Devils were busy with signing Malakhov and Rafalski, and will likely make a decision on Stevens' status by Monday. If they turn him down, expect his introduction to the Leaf's roster by Monday afternoon.
3.) With the signing of Jason Allison, Eric Lindros is no longer a priority for the Leafs. His acquisition would have been effected if Allison was not signed. Down the middle, the Leafs now have Sundin, Allison, and Stajan. With the new direction for the club this season, Kyle Wellwood will be given the opportunity to win the last centre slot. Lindros will not play for the Leafs this season.
4.) Ziggy Palffy will not be offered a contract. Ferguson has spoken with Palffy's agent, and he is seeking 5 million+ per season. Buffalo, having lots of cap room and having signed nobody but Teppo Numinen, has offered Palffy $4.25 million over 4 years. Palffy's destination of desire is Detroit. Pittsburg has also offered similar money. Tie Domi himself told me that Lemieux is after the services of the flashy forward.
5.) Teemu Selanne was offered a two-year, 2 million per season offer on Friday by the Leafs. Selanne is reportedly lukewarm to the idea of joining the Leafs though, and he remains an outside shot to join Kariya in Nashville.
6.) The Leafs have also offered veteran Peter Bondra a 2-year, 2.5 million dollar per year contract. The Leafs are weak on both wings, and Bondra can play them both. He would figure to slot into the Sundin-Allison first line should he accept the offer. The feeling around the office is that Bondra will return to Washington, however.
7.) Alex Mogilny will not return to Toronto.
8.) The Leafs expect the following forwards to make the big club following training camp: Wellwood and Steen.
1.) Defense remains the priority. Roman Hamrlik was offered a contract, a 3-year, 3.25 million (same as McCabe's salary) to play for Toronto, on Thursday night. It isn't expected he will sign for this discounted amount, however, especially since Brian Rafalski (a comparable defender) re-signed with NJ for more money the next day.
2.) On Friday, Toronto made a $1 million dollar, incentive-laden contract to Scott Stevens, with the same loaded bonus structure Allison received because Stevens was unavailable for play, just like Allison was. Stevens is reportedly interested, but wants to remain with the Devils. In contact with Stevens' agent, he told Leaf's brass that he is waiting on NJ's offer, which figures to be dependent on passing medical tests as well. The Devils were busy with signing Malakhov and Rafalski, and will likely make a decision on Stevens' status by Monday. If they turn him down, expect his introduction to the Leaf's roster by Monday afternoon.
3.) With the signing of Jason Allison, Eric Lindros is no longer a priority for the Leafs. His acquisition would have been effected if Allison was not signed. Down the middle, the Leafs now have Sundin, Allison, and Stajan. With the new direction for the club this season, Kyle Wellwood will be given the opportunity to win the last centre slot. Lindros will not play for the Leafs this season.
4.) Ziggy Palffy will not be offered a contract. Ferguson has spoken with Palffy's agent, and he is seeking 5 million+ per season. Buffalo, having lots of cap room and having signed nobody but Teppo Numinen, has offered Palffy $4.25 million over 4 years. Palffy's destination of desire is Detroit. Pittsburg has also offered similar money. Tie Domi himself told me that Lemieux is after the services of the flashy forward.
5.) Teemu Selanne was offered a two-year, 2 million per season offer on Friday by the Leafs. Selanne is reportedly lukewarm to the idea of joining the Leafs though, and he remains an outside shot to join Kariya in Nashville.
6.) The Leafs have also offered veteran Peter Bondra a 2-year, 2.5 million dollar per year contract. The Leafs are weak on both wings, and Bondra can play them both. He would figure to slot into the Sundin-Allison first line should he accept the offer. The feeling around the office is that Bondra will return to Washington, however.
7.) Alex Mogilny will not return to Toronto.
8.) The Leafs expect the following forwards to make the big club following training camp: Wellwood and Steen.
posted by Wardo at 12:47 PM
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