Toronto continues to explore trades
As I mentioned before, because the free agent market has been stripped bare of most of the big-name talent, the Leafs are now actively exploring trades to shore up positions on the roster. The intention now is to patch over the biggest holes in the team through trades, with a possible free agent depth signing or two eventually filling out the lineup.
I was just on the phone for a couple of hours with a colleague talking about possible Leaf moves this week. I was informed that the Leafs are looking for forward help, preferably a natural centre who can be slotted into a wing position. With Sundin, Allison and Stajan as the centres, the expectation is that Wellwood will nail down the 4th centre position. However, in the event he struggles in this role, Ferguson is seeking a depth move to shore up the team down the middle.
1.) Toronto has been in discussions with a few teams who could accomodate one of McCabe, Kaberle, or Klee under their cap in exchange for forwards, with an emphasis of landing possibly two forwards for one of Toronto's expensive defenders. In addition to Anaheim earlier today, Ferguson spent some time talking with Washington, who are in desperate need of defensemen, and have had trouble luring any players to sign. In keeping with the philosophy of icing a competitive team for this season that is nevertheless inexpensive, the names Ferguson has asked for are Brooks Laich and Jakup Klepis in exchange for McCabe or Klee.
2.) Buffalo as well has cropped up again. In addition to inquiries for Biron, Ferguson has asked about the availability of Adam Mair and Chris Drury and a pick in exchange for McCabe or Klee. Buffalo's preference though is to sign Roman Hamrlik to the team, but like Washington, have had trouble attracting talent this week.
Ferguson's motivation in the above scenarios is to acquire cheap talent who can help the team right away and in the future, with the added benefit of dumping an expensive contract.
My friend at the office rated these scenarios as quite plausible, and more likely than that of trading Belfour, whose contract and wonky back seem to be scaring away most potential trade partners. Look for Toronto to pull of a trade of this sort within the next few days.
Lindros remains an option for centre, but is a fallback plan for the team in case the trade scenarios do not play out. Lindros has been ready for a week to sign on the dotted line, but Ferguson wants to see what can be obtained on the market prior to committing to Lindros.
I was just on the phone for a couple of hours with a colleague talking about possible Leaf moves this week. I was informed that the Leafs are looking for forward help, preferably a natural centre who can be slotted into a wing position. With Sundin, Allison and Stajan as the centres, the expectation is that Wellwood will nail down the 4th centre position. However, in the event he struggles in this role, Ferguson is seeking a depth move to shore up the team down the middle.
1.) Toronto has been in discussions with a few teams who could accomodate one of McCabe, Kaberle, or Klee under their cap in exchange for forwards, with an emphasis of landing possibly two forwards for one of Toronto's expensive defenders. In addition to Anaheim earlier today, Ferguson spent some time talking with Washington, who are in desperate need of defensemen, and have had trouble luring any players to sign. In keeping with the philosophy of icing a competitive team for this season that is nevertheless inexpensive, the names Ferguson has asked for are Brooks Laich and Jakup Klepis in exchange for McCabe or Klee.
2.) Buffalo as well has cropped up again. In addition to inquiries for Biron, Ferguson has asked about the availability of Adam Mair and Chris Drury and a pick in exchange for McCabe or Klee. Buffalo's preference though is to sign Roman Hamrlik to the team, but like Washington, have had trouble attracting talent this week.
Ferguson's motivation in the above scenarios is to acquire cheap talent who can help the team right away and in the future, with the added benefit of dumping an expensive contract.
My friend at the office rated these scenarios as quite plausible, and more likely than that of trading Belfour, whose contract and wonky back seem to be scaring away most potential trade partners. Look for Toronto to pull of a trade of this sort within the next few days.
Lindros remains an option for centre, but is a fallback plan for the team in case the trade scenarios do not play out. Lindros has been ready for a week to sign on the dotted line, but Ferguson wants to see what can be obtained on the market prior to committing to Lindros.
posted by Wardo at 9:23 PM
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