** In this little article I will talk about the Star free agents I feel we should give a shot, I will talk about the lesser knowns in the next article, of course I will give my reasons and the amount I feel should be offered to each Free agent**
Now let's make this clear we can't expect the Maple Leafs to go on a major shopping spree and completely ditch the recently sprung rebuild. Of course Brian Burke will be looking to alter the team a bit via Free agency and of course the all important Draft where the Leafs pick 7th.
Free Agent Option #1 (Henrik and Daniel Sedin):
Now I know many Leaf fans think these twins are babies and haven't done much in terms of Playoff hockey but to be honest if these two are available you have to try to get them. They will easily make 2/3 of our 1st line and whatever you say they are terrific hockey players. The Leafs have lacked any star value in their top 6 forwards for a year now and Burke will definitely look to make our 1st line good. The Sedins stats are as follows...
Henrik Sedin ( 22 G, 60 A, 82 Pts , +22, 48 PIM)
Daniel Sedin (31G, 51 A, 82 Pts, +24, 36 PIM)
Freakishly scary how they both finished with 82 Pts. Some people suggest that Daniel is a better player then Henrik but for me they are extremely identical in their play and the stats back me on this. Therefore If these two guys go up for sale, Burke should be all over them and offer them both a 5-6 Million contract. Will that be enough? I doubt it. I think they will probably be looking for more and rightly so, they were terrific in the playoffs even though the Canucks lost. They are great players to add to this youthful team.
Free Agent Option #2 (Mike Cammaleri):
This Toronto native has all the offensive prowess a 1st line player needs. Of course he lacks in his defensive game and tends to not show up at times. Does that mean he's a bad player? Not in my opinion at all. He could really relish the opportunity to become a true leader on this Leafs team and he would surely take a little discount to play for his favourite team growing up. It would be foolish for the Flames to let him go considering the fantastic chemistry between Iginla and him but sometimes in this Salary capped league you have to let go of great players. If this occurs Burke will surely look into Cammaleri and check out what his asking price is. Cammalari stats go as follows...
Mike Cammaleri (39 G, 43 A, 82 Pts, -2, 44 PIM)
You must be spooked now, that's three free agents with the same point totals. What Cammaleri lacks is his +/- but that shouldn't be enough to deter Burke from wanting Cammaleri. I would love to see him in a Leafs Jersey if he comes for the right price, I would probably offer him 4-5 Million a year but this all depends on if the Sedins are signed or not.
Free Agent Option # 3 (Brian Gionta):
This is a guy I love to see playing, I highly doubt the Devils will let him go considering how well he's performed for them over the years. Just like the others I have listed if he decides to test free agency there is no doubt in my mind Burke will be licking his lips at this 1st line winger. Just imagine him playing with Cammaleri on the 1st line or skating with the Sedins (very unlikely lol).
Brian Gionta is a fantastic speedy little guy who can score like the best of them. He is extremely feisty and he can get the job done around the opposing team's goal. Of course he has his flaws such as inconsistency in his point production but nonetheless he would be a great signing for any team. Gionta's numbers are as follows...
Brian Gionta (20 G, 40 A, 60 Pts, +12, 32 PIM)
If Burke can't get the Sedins then Gionta would be a good fall back option, same idea applies if Cammaleri isn't signed up. Of course if they can get a combo of these free agents at a good price, I think the Leafs will be well on their way for many years. I would offer Gionta a good 4-5 Million per year.
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