The announcement yesterday that Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards had the “interim” coaching tag removed only furthers the possibility that team captain Rick Nash will pressure the organization to move him before the beginning of next season.
The 27 year old franchise forward let it be known that he wanted out of Columbus nearly a month before the NHL trade deadline, but GM Scott Howson did not receive what he considered an acceptable offer from any of the clubs on Nash’s short list, including the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
After the February 27th trade deadline passed, there were indications that the only way that Nash would reconsider his demand to be moved would be if Howson were replaced, but it was Howson that announced the two year contract extension of Richards, which is a good sign that he is going nowhere.
Leafs GM Brian Burke and his management team are currently in full organizational review mode, evaluating their young prospects playing in the Calder Cup Playoffs, adding pieces like KHLer Leo Komarov to the fold, prepping for the NHL Draft in just over a month and determining what direction they will take in solidifying their goaltending and adding a top six forward.
The Leafs will keep their irons in the fire on Nash, but there are a couple other options that could be more likely and less costly for the Blue and White.
It was clear from the news that filtered out that Howson was not overly enamored with the packages being offered for his star winger. Those offers will not be better over the summer, as NHL GM’s know that Columbus is dealing from a position of weakness and does not want a disgruntled Nash as a distraction.
If for example, the Jackets GM insists on a return that includes inexpensive youngsters like the Leafs Jake Gardiner or Ranger prospect Chris Kreider for a veteran with six years left on a contract with a $7.8 Million cap hit, coming off his lowest goal total since 2007, then Toronto and New York will explore other options very quickly.
Two players who potentially could be available and would likely have a greater impact are centers Jordan Staal or Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf. Both the Ducks and Penguins are in similar quandaries, as the 23 year-old Staal and 26 year-old Getzlaf are entering the final year of their contracts and will be looking for a big payday in unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2013.
Staal has taken a backseat to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh and with Crosby’s contract also up at the end of next season, Pens GM Ray Shero will be hard pressed to pay both players what they are worth.
Getzlaf rumors came up in connection with the Leafs during the season and will likely continue to have legs as now his former GM and coach are in Toronto. After a horrendous first half and finishing the year with only 11 goals, Ducks GM Bob Murray may be of the opinion that it is time to shake up the chemistry in his locker room, as well as opening up cap room to re-sign potential UFA Corey Perry and RFA Cam Fowler after next season.
Which way will the Leafs go; Staal, Getzlaf or Nash? Or do you think they will strike out on all three.
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As the Leafs exams continue, we look at two wingers who played very different roles but approached their jobs with the same effort and mindset.
Mike Brown – Winger: The only complaint that could be lodged about Brown is that his rough and tumble style makes it impossible to stay healthy for a full season. The 26 year old missed 32 games in 2011-12 with a variety of injuries(including back problems that required surgery), the same amount of games he missed in his first season with Toronto.
A quintessential fourth liner, Brown was also used as a penalty killer due to his skating ability. He is a ferocious checker and is more than willing to stick up for his teammates.
Grade: B-
Projection: Fourth line winger
Matt Frattin – Winger: After getting a taste in the NHL at the end of last season, the former University of North Dakota star made the Leafs out of training camp. Playing mostly on the third line, Frattin did not score his first goal until the 17th game of the season and ended up with only eight goals in his rookie seasom, but was solid at both ends of the ice and was surprisingly physical.
He was demoted after New Year’s to the AHL, where he scored 14 goals in 23 games. Was recalled in late February and looked to be improving near the end of the season under Randy Carlyle. Frattin has been arguably the best forward for the Marlies through two rounds of their Calder Cup playoff run.
Grade: C+
Projection: Third line checking winger
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According to TSN Insider Bob McKenzie, the Leafs are willing to let Director of Player Personnel Rick Dudley out of his contract early to join newly appointed GM Marc Bergevin’s staff in Montreal.
McKenzie indicates that if Dudley takes a position with Montreal, which could happen by the end of the month, it would be conditional on him not being able to work on the NHL Draft for the Habs.
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