TORONTO (July 1) -- The Maple Leafs haven't yet made their move in free agency, but they are seriously targeting forwards Jason Blake and Slava Kozlov. An excellent source has passed on this information in the past 10 minutes. Blake doesn't surprise me at all; I've written and said a number of times that his name was mentioned to me repeatedly in connection with Toronto at the recent NHL Draft in Columbus. He scored 40 goals last season for the Islanders and is taking offers that average around $4.6 million in a new deal. Kozlov had a terrific season for Atlanta with 28 goals, 52 assists and 80 points. He is 35 years of age, and would seem to be a back-up plan for the Leafs, though I wouldn't rule out the acquisition of both he and Blake, if John Ferguson can work it out financially.

Leafs are still talking with Ryan Smyth, but Smyth is weighing a four-year offer from the Islanders, a five-year overture from Montreal, and sniffs from Colorado, St. Louis, San Jose and Anaheim.

E-mail [email protected]

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» Roenick Remembers the "Dagger"

» Reminiscing With Hockey's Best-Ever Name

» Could Coyotes Howl North of Toronto?

» Leaf Fans Don't Know Pressure

» Could Lui Be Toronto-Bound?