Tyler Bozak has re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 5 years at $21-million. I like this deal for the Leafs as they keep a familiar player who has chemistry with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul at a fair value. Thankfully, the ridiculous 8-year, $40-million rumours are untrue.
Apparently, David Clarkson has agreed to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. I am afraid of how much money they are going to give him, and I do not like the long term (7 years). I like the way Clarkson plays and he always seems to score against the Leafs, so it is nice to eradicate that problem, but I am concerned that his aggressive play will get him IR'ed for much of that contract. He is also unproven long-term. Nevertheless, it is going to be an exciting season for the Leafs!
Stay tuned, more possibly to come!
2:20pm ET, update:
The Clarkson deal is now official! $5.25-million/season is definitely too much for someone with only one 30-goal season, but hopefully his all-around game will make up for the goals he does not score. I am not a huge fan of the deal itself, but I am a huge fan of the acquisition. I am torn.
5:23pm ET, update:
The Leafs have also signed 24-year old defenseman T.J. Brennan to a 1 year, $600,000 contract. I do not know much about Brennan, but I like this as a depth move. My only concern is that he will have a breakout season and the Leafs will lose him in free agency next year. We will see what happens.
Overall I think the Leafs have, in the short space of one season, become the Anaheim Ducks of the East. Just look at a roster with a few high-skill players followed by two third-lines and a bruising fourth. Burke (wait, I mean Nonis) finally has the pugnacious squad he envisioned. Look for the Leafs to lead the league in fighting but also be near the lead in GAA. Now for Neidermeyer to come out of retirement...
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