Looking over what’s available on the market this summer, here is some ideas on how I’d improve the Leafs.
It probably doesn’t need to be said that JFJ should receive his one year severance package and then be run out of town. In his 4 years with the club, his greatest moves have been on the bottom end. Signing players like Pohl and Devereaux, and maybe even Battaglia, which locks up a decent 4th line for next season. I’d also be sure to thank him for signing Kaberle under market value and bringing in Maurice to run the club before the door hit him on the ass on his way out.
Second line of business would be the Sundin situation. Time for the organization to play hard ball a la Mike Smith style. I would be targeting a two year deal worth roughly 9 million, but I would dig my heels in so that he would not be paid a penny over 5 mill each year. Should that not wet his appetite enough in plenty of time before training camp starts, he would be given his severance as well.
Should the Sundin negotiation fail, I would use up most of the free cash to bring in Giguere at the 5 to 6 range, or whatever it took to win that lottery. However, if Sundin was retained, that type of money would not be had to spend on severely improving our biggest hole, and a guy like Mathieu Garon might fit in at a modest 2 to 2.5 range.
Either way, the Razor would find himself starting the season as a backup.
As much negativity as that being put on McCabe and Kubina for their generous contracts, I would not move them out. Both still have an upside. McCabe still finds himself to be a + player each season (unlike Souray), while Kubina had a strong second half. So other than pushing more duties on Coliaicovo and White, the defense would stand as it was this season.
Up front? Now that is another matter. Again, if Sundin is not signed, a big push for Ryan Smyth is in order. Perhaps in the 5.5 to 6 range. However, if he is retained, guys like Scott Hartnell and Scott Walker would make a nice fit at 4.5 to 5 million combined.
Players such as Ponikarovsky, Steen and Stajan would all be given lesser roles until the day they can be more consistent.
