Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Who Is On The Leafs Free Agent Shopping List??

June 27, 2012, 2:51 PM ET [864 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
A few interesting tidbits out there in rumor land as we edge closer to July 1st and look for GM Brian Burke to reshape his club more to the aggressive style of coach Randy Carlyle.

Former Toronto Assistant GM Bill Watters reported via Twitter that the Leafs will likely show great interest in unrestricted free agent wingers Brandon Prust and Shane Doan come July 1.

The 28 year old Prust had a career year in 2010-11 with the Rangers, scoring 13 goals and 16 assists, along with 160 PIM, but his offensive numbers declined last season, with just 5 goals in 82 games. Prust is the type of crash-and-bang, high-energy guy that the Leafs need desperately and would be a perfect counterpart to Mike Brown on the fourth line and would an upgrade the club’s toughness and penalty killing unit.

The 35 year old Doan is expected to look around in free agency because of the Coyotes chaotic ownership/relocation saga and would be a nice fit to any team looking for veteran leadership. He made $4.55 Million last season, but likely will not make as much as he averaged only 20 goals a year the last three seasons. A possible enticement to signing in Toronto could be the opportunity to play with ex-teammate Matthew Lombardi, who was his center when Doan scored a career high 31 goals in 2008-09.

******

According to the Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby, free agent defenseman Justin Schultz and his representatives are meeting with the Edmonton Oilers today and are likely to meet with the Detroit Red Wings and Maple Leafs in the near future.

Most of the recent reports from NHL insiders have not included Toronto as Schultz’s potential destination, yet it is likely that they are at or near the top of that list.

University of Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves indicated in an interview with the Windsor Star that the influence of Schultz’s good friend Jake Gardiner was a determining factor in the blueliner staying with the Badgers last season.

“His buddy Jake told him he could skate and had the skills, but he’d playing against real strong men.

The NHL is a man’s league.

It was important he got bigger and stronger and learned to dominate without the puck against the younger guys first.

He did that this season.”

It has to be taken into consideration that if Gardiner had such an influence as to help Schultz with his decision to stay in school that their friendship would have some sway as to his future destination.

*******

As reported by Terry Koshan in the Toronto Sun Monday, the Leafs have extended qualifying offers to forwards Nikolai Kulemin and Matt Frattin, defensemen Korbinian Holzer and Cody Franson and goaltenders Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas.

If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.

For Those on Twitter:


KINDLE USERS: Please sign up for Maple Leafs Buzz, which includes a free-of-charge 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month afterwards. For more information click here.
Join the Discussion: » 864 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Mike Augello
» Leafs Frustrated And Immature In Loss To Devils
» Practicing Load Management Down The Stretch; Leafs vs. Devils
» Woll Wonderful In Loss To Canes; Keefe Downplaying Samsonov Injury
» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio
» Hyman Aiming For 50; Leafs vs. Oilers