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

Burns deal eliminates one option for D upgrade; Leafs vs Hurricanes

November 22, 2016, 6:25 PM ET [465 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The San Jose Sharks signing of Brent Burns to an eight-year max contract for $64 Million subtracts one big name from the 2017 free agent defense class and likely raises the price tag of blueliners that do reach the open market.

Burns was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season after a career-high 75-point season and was unlikely to get to July 1, since getting the 31-year-old locked up was logically GM Doug Wilson’s top priority over re-signing aging veterans Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.

Veterans Kevin Shattenkirk and Karl Alzner are now the top names of the UFA class, but as with Burns, there is no guarantee that they will be available for teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, who undoubtedly will be looking to upgrade on defense in the near future.

Shattenkirk (who turns 28 in January) is likely to test free agency come July 1 unless St. Louis trades him before the March 1 trade deadline. The Blues have Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester signed long-term and youngster Colton Parayko in need of a new deal this summer.

Alzner will be looking for a significant pay increase from his current $2.8 Million, but Washington may be accommodate that demand with veterans Justin Williams and TJ Oshie becoming free agents.

An option that could be an opportunity for Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello are teams that will have protection problems in the upcoming expansion draft.

The Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild are two clubs who may opt for protecting eight skaters and one goalie instead of seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie because of they are well stocked on the blueline.

The Ducks signed Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen over the summer. They will be forced to protect veteran Kevin Bieksa because of his no-movement clause (unless they buyout the final year of his contract), which could mean exposing Cam Fowler (with another year left) or Josh Manson (only 25 years old).

The Wild have to protect Ryan Suter(NMC) and can only protect three of Jared Spurgeon, Marco Scandella, Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin. TSN’s Frank Seravelli believes that Brodin (signed through 2021 at $4.16 Million) will be the odd man out.

Neither Manson nor Brodin are spectacular offensively, but both could be good compliments to the more offensive-minded Morgan Rielly and Nikita Zaitsev, as the Leafs have to looking for steady performers and long term answers on the blueline.


*******

Listen to the Blue N' White Tonight podcast with "The Voice of the Marlies" Todd Crocker drops by to take a player by player look at the organization's young prospects:



*******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.*******

Note : Continue to check back to my column on Hockeybuzz throughout the day for the latest Leafs updates or 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: » 465 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