The Maple Leafs have themselves setup beautifully to begin the 2017-18 season and things just got even better when Lamoriello signed Connor Brown to a three year contract which gives him a cap hit of just 2.1 million per season. This is an excellent deal for the Leafs as they continue to set themselves up to be a true contending team.
If you look at some of the recent deals that Lamoriello has inked in they are all very fair deals and have really set the Leafs up wisely for future signings.
Nazem Kadri: 5 years at 4.5 million per
Zach Hyman: 4 years at 2.25 million per
Connor Brown: 3 years at 2.1 million per
Morgan Rielly: 5 years at 5 million per
Frederik Andersen: 5 years at 5 million per
If you look at what each player’s worth here versus how much money they make its nothing but great deals for the Leafs. One thing the Leafs management team has is experience and it seems as if it’s rubbing off well with the players who sport the blue and white. These are quality hockey deals that are going to help with building the best possible team.
My hopes are it continues to rub off on future signings, especially William Nylander who will be the first of the three young forwards to sign for the Leafs (Matthews, Marner, Nylander). If Shanahan, Lamoriello and Babcock can talk with the three youngsters to sign to quality deals that set the team up to win and win a lot this would be ideal as the talent on the Buds is the highest it’s been in ages.
If each of the three young future stars can be signed for deals that come with a very slight discount that could be enough salary to sign a quality roster player down the road who puts the team over the top and prepares the Leafs for a deep playoff push.
The window of opportunity is growing by the day in Leafs Nation. It’s hard to believe what horrible shape the team was in just a couple seasons ago and how quickly things have come together as the Shanaplan unfolds and Babcock waives his magic wand over his crop of rookies.
Next season the Leafs will have 2.08 million opening up from buyout money (Gleason and Cowen). They will also have Marincin and Carrick as RFA’s as well as Leivo and Nylander up front. Toronto will also have Lupul, JVR, Bozak, Komarov, Fehr, Moore and Smith all become UFA’s so there is the potential of a boat load of money opening up next season.
This is a big season for a number of Maple Leafs, who will management trade, let walk or resign as the team moves forward after what is hopefully an excellent playoff run and another step forwards towards the Stanley Cup.
Who do you think the Leafs will keep out of Bozak, van Riemsdyk and Komarov?
Leafs rookie tournament to be held at the Ricoh Coliseum September 8-10.
Thanks for reading, have a great week.