Just what the Toronto media needs to get things stirring, the Bergen Record’s Tom Gulitti reports that pending free agent goaltender Martin Brodeur was spotted at Rogers Center at the Yankees – Blue Jays game with MLSE Chairman Tim Leiweke Wednesday night, leading to speculation that the Leafs may be interested in signing the 42-year-old as a backup to Jonathan Bernier next season.
@reporterchris @TGfireandice Here's a pic of Brodeur talking with Leiweke pic.twitter.com/Gn5nMW3BQg
— Nick Hinsperger (@hinsperger) June 26, 2014The Leafs did express interest in signing the future Hall-of-Famer two seasons ago when his last contract expired, but Brodeur decided to stay in New Jersey. With Cory Schneider firmly entrenched as the starting goaltender for the Devils, Brodeur will undoubtedly be moving on.
According to Gulitti, Brodeur’s visit to Toronto was to participate in a charity golf tournament with former teammate David Clarkson. The veteran netminder indicated that he did not plan to visit teams that were interested in signing him on July 1 and would prefer to play for a U.S-based team.
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Anton Thun, the agent for free agent Dave Bolland indicated on Sportsnet FAN 590 radio Wednesday that he has received a sizeable amount of inquiries about his client on the first day of the five day negotiating window prior to the July 1 frenzy.
“I’ve had six teams contact me today.… Thun told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. “I believe that there’s at least a couple of other that have not contacted me that will have some interest.
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Agent for Jay McClement says there have been no talks with Leafs and none are planned at this point.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) June 25, 2014The 31-year-old McClement was overused last season, playing heavy minutes early in the season with the injuries to Dave Bolland and Tyler Bozak. The Kingston, ON native was an integral part of the Leafs improvement short-handed during the lockout-shortened season, but Toronto finished near the bottom of the league in 2013-14, which may be a reason why the Leafs may be willing to pass on the veteran forward.
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