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As we count down the hours until the start of free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs face a number of questions about what direction they will go. GM Kyle Dubas indicated at the NHL Draft in Montreal earlier this week that he would be looking to the trade market in his pursuit of goaltending, and according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on Sunday, talks have intensified with the Ottawa Senators about acquiring two-time Cup winning goalie Matt Murray.
Friedman on the most recent “32 Thoughts… podcast that his history with GM Kyle Dubas and head coach Sheldon Keefe going back to Sault Ste. Marie is part of the mutual interest with Murray and Toronto, but also his relationship with Leafs goaltending coach Jon Elkin. Toronto reportedly has been given permission to check out the 28-year-old medically.
There are many more things out there to be answered and for the first time in a long while, we go to the wonderful world of Twitter for your questions:
No. He's stated a love for the team and city, they have newfound money, the alternatives likely involve trading ( Nylander) which I think Dubas is averse to and he's a known quantity. Plus they seem clear comfortable with a Soup/Woll or Kallgren combo. They got til tomorrow.
— David Clark (@leafsnation92) July 10, 2022
Mike – Not calling into question Campbell’s sincerity about loving Toronto, but players often say that. Many reports have said the Leafs had limited interest in bringing him back and it was all dependent on the price point and term on a new deal.
Is there a Kerfoot and/or Holl deal before UFA?
— Doogie (@Johnflee17) July 10, 2022
Mike – Kerfoot, not likely because of his versatility and the departure of Mikheyev on the left side. Bunting and Kerfoot are the likely duo at top six left wing. Holl is likely to be dealt to clear his $2 million salary and make room for a new deal for Rasmus Sandin.
Is there a Kerfoot and/or Holl deal before UFA?
— Doogie (@Johnflee17) July 10, 2022
Mike – That seems to be the bone of contention regarding Sandin and his role going forward with the Leafs. He is far enough along in his development to merit a top six role, but he is blocked in Toronto by Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, and Mark Giordano. The solution would appear to be moving one of those blueliners to the right side and clearing out Holl’s contract to re-sign Sandin. As an RFA, he can use an offer sheet to shake things loose, but that is unlikely.
on a scale of 1 to 10 , how bad is the goalie situation ? im picking a 5 right now.....dubas is in trouble
— Darin Bauer - Mortgage Agent (@Darinb75) July 10, 2022
Mike – This is something that was debated with my colleagues in Montreal last week and rating things is pointless right now because we don’t know what direction they will go yet. In my opinion, the Campbell – Mrazek – Kallgren – Holl quartet was below average at best after December 1 and there is lots of room for improvement. We shall revisit this in a month or so.
so, any info or gut feeling on if the Leafs work out a deal with Jack, or trade for someone like Gibson?
— wayne richardson (@wayne1706) July 10, 2022
Mike – Neither is likely. The consensus is that Edmonton and New Jersey are willing to offer Campbell a four-or-five year deal around $5 million and the Leafs have never been willing to go that high or long as that. Gibson’s agent Kurt Overhardt (by the way, Campbell’s agent as well) stated over the weekend that he wants to remain in Anaheim.
Where do u rank the Leafs in the Atlantic Division as of today??
— ALEJANDRO KIRK STAN (@extendbusch) July 10, 2022
Mike – Second behind Florida. The wear-and-tear on Tampa Bay may take it’s toll on the Lightning early next season and keep them from winning the decision and the Panthers and Leafs have something to prove.
Does anyone from the marlies make the jump to fill in spots left Mikheyev, Spezza etc? Also - Do Clifford and Simmonds play much if at all? Or does the 4th line get some new talent?
— Jerry Walker (@jerrywalkerkw) July 10, 2022
Mike – Nick Robertson, Joey Anderson and Alex Steeves will all get long looks at camp. Robertson has the offensive talent, but needs to prove he can stay healthy and play effectively in a top nine role. Anderson and Steeves are bottom six candidates and played well in limited opportunity. It’s very possible that Clifford and Simmonds will be going back and forth from the AHL and NHL based on what Toronto adds in free agency or how much they have left to offer.
Does anyone from the marlies make the jump to fill in spots left Mikheyev, Spezza etc? Also - Do Clifford and Simmonds play much if at all? Or does the 4th line get some new talent?
— Jerry Walker (@jerrywalkerkw) July 10, 2022
Mike –
Kessel – NO (slowing down and likely unwilling to come back to Toronto for a low salary)
Marchment – NO (because he will be getting over $3 million on a new deal),
Bozak – NO (he’s close to retirement)
Brown – YES (he would be a very good Mikheyev replacement for one year, but his $3.6 million cap hit would cause problems)
Do the Leafs take a run at Dylan Strome?
— GenXFletch (@hawkeyguy) July 10, 2022
Mike – Shocking that the Hawks are doing what they are doing with young players like Strome and Dominik Kubalik, walking away from them and allowing them to become free agents. Strome is a center and the Leafs with Matthews/Tavares/Kampf do not need help up the middle, but they could be interested in Kubalik, a big winger with a scoring touch.
Why would the Leafs not try to trade Tavares?
— WoodsWhisperer (@WoodsW) July 10, 2022
3 yrs left… would solve a myriad of problems.
Mike – A few things prevent this…..1)Tavares has a no movement clause and can block any trade, 2) he scored at nearly a point-per-game pace last season playing second line center, 3) he is the captain of the club, and 4) common sense.
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