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The Positives Of Being Proactive

June 23, 2016, 3:26 PM ET [1567 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello wasted no time after the completion of the 2015-16 regular season getting restricted free agents Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly signed to long-term contract extensions.

The positive with Kadri was a cost effective $4.5 Million AAV on the six-year deal, which can be moved if the Leafs decide to part ways with the 25-year-old center.

Rielly’s extension was an astute move by Toronto since they locked up the young defenseman immediately following the expiration of his entry-level deal, buying up two years of unrestricted free agency and locking him up until the age of 28 for $5 Million per season.

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

The 2012 fifth overall pick led all Maple Leafs defensemen with 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) in a season in which Toronto struggled to generate offense.

Arizona and Florida both paid a steep price for sign the top echelon of the 2016 defensive free agent class in Alex Goligoski and Keith Yandle. after trading for the negotiating rights earlier in the week.

The 30-year-old Goligoski averaged 38 points over the last three seasons with the Dallas Stars and signed a five-year, $27.3 Million deal ($5.475 Million AAV) with the Coyotes on Tuesday.

The offensive-minded Yandle had consecutive 50+ points in 2014 and 2015 and had 47 points with the New York Rangers last season and signed a six-year, $44.45 Million deal ($6.35 Million AAV) with the Panthers early Thursday morning.

There are indications that free agent blueliner Jason Demers(Dallas) could draw as much as $5 Million per season on a new deal and veteran Brian Campbell could attract in that salary range on a shorter-term deal.

Based on the prices being paid by NHL clubs on the defensive market this week, Rielly’s six-year, $30 Million contract looks like a significant bargain.

Keep an eye out for updates on Twitter and on this column throughout the next few days.....

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