The contract extension signed by Montreal’s Andrei Markov on Monday could be an indicator of what it will cost the Toronto Maple Leafs and other clubs to add a veteran free agent defenseman this summer.
The 35-year-old blueliner played the last two seasons injury-free after missing 205 games between 2009-2012 due to recurrent knee problems and inked a three-year deal for $17.25 Million.
Although the deal is perceived as a compromise between the Habs and Markov, it has to be good news for other grizzled veterans that the talented Russian was able to get the same $5.75 Million annual salary he has made the last seven years.
Free agent Dan Boyle has not agreed to a deal with the NY Islanders after his negotiating right were traded earlier this month, in part because he wants to play for a contender, but also because he would like to make as close to the salary he made the last six seasons in San Jose.
The 37-year-old will probably break $6 Million per season, but could make close to what Markov agreed to on his new deal.
The same can be said for other defensemen over the age of 35 such as Stephane Robidas ($3.3 Million in 2013-14) and Willie Mitchell($3.5 Million in 2013-14). In the past would have had to accept one year deals at lower money to extend their career, but due to the lack of defensemen in free agency, it is possible that these over 35’s can get multi-year extensions at over $3 Million.
The Leafs continue to be open to most options in the trade market, including trading team captain Dion Phaneuf, RFA Cody Franson and/or Jake Gardiner if the return is significant. Based on the prices that are likely to escalate to the point of ridiculousness, some teams would rather deal for players who are already locked in on a deal or can be signed for significantly less than younger free agents like Matt Niskanen and Anton Stralman.
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The rumors continue that the Leafs are looking to trade up from #8 overall into the top three, where they can select one of Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart or Aaron Ekblad.
Hockeybuzz’s Josh Rimer reported on Monday speculation of the Leafs shipping Phaneuf and their first to Edmonton for their third pick overall, which would make some sense if Florida selects Ekblad at #1 and Edmonton faces the prospect of drafting another skilled forward at the top of the first round.
The much rumored possibility of the Leafs and Florida making a deal gained momentum on Monday, when the Miami Herald’s George Richards reported that Panthers GM Dale Tallon has received a serious offer for the first pick and will not go any lower than the eighth pick if his club were to consider a swap of first rounders.
The Leafs select eighth, which would leave the possibility open that the two sides could get a deal done, but an offer of Toronto’s pick, Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner reportedly would not sufficient to move up to the top overall pick.
“I get the sense that [the No. 1 pick] is out there. [Pathers GM] Dale Tallon has all kinds of young players in the organization and wants to make the playoffs sooner rather than later. Still, Kadri in the package won’t get it done.… An anonymous NHL executive said to Sportsnet’s Gare Joyce last week. “JVR [LW James van Riemsdyk] might if he’s with the pick and Gardiner… or he might not. Tallon will wait it out to see what the best offer is. It’s a big one to sit tight and close on the floor but I wouldn’t rule it out.…
This appears to be an attempt to escalate the price for the top pick, as Florida may see benefits in moving down and also acquire some immediate help rather than wait for another young prospect to develop.
It is highly unlikely that Nonis would trade two assets in Kadri and Gardiner under the age of 25 to move up seven slots in a draft that is widely accepted as being average at best.
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