The feeling as the Leafs embark on this year’s unrestricted free agency period is that Brian Burke is not enamored with the ’09 free agent class and will neither overpay in salary or term. It appears Burke’s focused on acquiring his high-end talent through trade. In regards to the long-rumoured Mike Cammalleri signing, the word right now is that he’s not on the radar although this is certainly subject to change should circumstances change. More likely, if Burke can move Kaberle and/or Kubina and sign Jonas Gustavsson, the approach will be to strengthen from the goal out and thus most money will be allotted to high-end D rather than forwards at this time.
This is an organizational list of potential free agent targets for Burke and co. that was sent my way by a source:
The Sedins (no way Burke would be interested in a 12 year deal though, 5-6 years maximum).
Brian Gionta (only for a lot less than he—s been making)
Manny Malholtra
Ryan Bayda
Chris Neil
Colton Orr
Brian Mcgrattan (on a two-way)
Joel Ward
Taylor Pyatt
Mike Rupp
Francois Beauchemin
Mike Komisarek (only if he can move Kabs or Kubina or both)
Bouwmeester (should the Flames fail to come to an agreement… same caveat applies as with Komisarek)
Mattias Ohlund
Travis Moen
Andrew Alberts
Greg Zanon
Johnny Oduya
A blog to come breaking down some of these possibilities, moreso some of the lesser names that Burke may very well key in on. Your thoughts on some of these names?
Still not a lot to report on the Gustavsson front… the word is that Burke’s getting quite close but that the Stars and their Swedish contingent still shouldn’t be underestimated.
