http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-t ... o-heat-up/Friedman's thirty on Leaf off season stuff.
2. The Maple Leafs sent out a communiqué last week indicating any team wanting to talk trade should go through assistant GM Kyle Dubas. This led to speculation maybe Dubas would be elevated to the full-time GM position, but that appears premature. Director of player personnel Mark Hunter is responsible for draft selections, so it doesn’t look like Toronto wanted to add another 72-ounce Lone Star steak to his plate. What it does say, though, is Brendan Shanahan really trusts Dubas. That’s big responsibility at this time in the franchise’s existence.
3. Toronto’s let it be known it will take salary back for Phil Kessel, but there is a limit. It’s got to be less (in term and value) than Kessel’s. The Maple Leafs are more interested in prospects and draft picks, but recognize that alone won’t get a deal done. Since the idea is to help create cap flexibility, it doesn’t make sense to receive a similar contract in return.
As for smaller moves, the organization traded Greg McKegg in the deal for unsigned (as of now) college free agent Zach Hyman. Other AHLers are available, including the likes of defenceman Andrew MacWilliam, heading into his third year as a pro.
4. Toronto will continue to negotiate a new contract with Jonathan Bernier, but it was an aggressive move to file for club-elected salary arbitration. They are sending a message there will be no dispute lasting into next season. There’s nothing wrong with taking a one-year deal heading into free agency and betting on yourself, but another exec made a good point: if the Maple Leafs really do strip it down, that’s tough for a goalie. Difficult to be successful in those circumstances. What’s Toronto offering with term? An average annual value of $4M, maybe?