The Maple Leafs may have lost in the opening round again, but one can make the case they may be the third or fourth best team in the NHL RIGHT NOW.
Were I to rank the top 5 it would be..'
1. Colorado 2. Tampa 3. Toronto 4. NY Rangers 5. Florida
The battle they put forth versus Tampa was impressive and they had the Champs on the ropes a few times despite the immense pressure on this team to win. Therefore I truly don't think they should be making many major changes at all....and I REALLY feel that they should be sticking with Campbell who showed how he could step it up in the playoffs...There were some points in the series where Campbell played amazing to keep the game close enough for the Leafs to come from behind and win...
Campbell is a UFA and depending on who you talk to is definitely returning or far from a contract/heading to free agency..
I spoke to a VERY high up source this weekend who assure me that the feeling behind the scenes is that there is a deal there for Campbell and he will be back at a contract of 3-5 years in the miid 5 range.
There are others out there reporting the sides are nowhere close and haven't talked much.
Rule #1 of the rumor game this time of year is...
"Know the motivation of the people talking to you."
I have heard the doomsday rumors as well, but they are clearly from sources who wish to use the media to negotiate...This is common throughout the league, but especially in Toronto. This past weekend at the combines there were a few well-placed leaks that made the rounds quickly and evolved in a way that made it sound like Campbell was pretty much done in Toronto..
It doesn't take a lot for that to happen. I am super sensitive to these kind of swarms...especially when Montreal or Toronto is involved.
My source is really above that level of the common leak. He is a business guy high up with the team and he is one of the 5 people I trust the most in this sport. He doesn't just tell me things to manipulate the media. he was VERY calm when it came to Campbell saying over and over again that is just makes too much sense for BOTH parties to continue this relationship...
The Leafs need a #1 keeper who can play in the run and gun style they play and can handle the pressure that comes with being the most important player on a team that is so desperate for a win...
They are up against the Cap, so they can't be spending 7 or 8 per year. And bringing in ANY UFA goalie that a top 5 team can trust is going to cost you at least 5 per.
Look at the current crop of keepers who are making 5 per year. Demko. Peterson, Ulmark, Saros, Lehner....Campbell is at least in that conversation...
On today's podcast we will debate this point..and Judge Kevin Allen will decide!
What say you?