Leafs need to sign players
Posted 3:17 PM ET | Comments 6
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wendel_Mania
Still Players to Sign:
The Leafs are going into the 2013-14 season looking very similar to the 2012-13 season with the addition of some small changes. The team is almost completely set, with a few contracts to be signed and basically just one battle for a roster spot, that being the fourth line center position.rnrnAs widely broadcasted, the Leafs have three main players yet to re-sign; and that being Nazem Kadri, Carl Gunnarson and Cody Franson. Mark Fraser also needs a new contract, however won’t bring in quite the amount the first three will.rnrnSo what are these players looking at getting in their new contract? Well I am going to play Dave Nonis for the time being.
Nazem Kadri:
Kadri proved all his doubters wrong this past season and somewhere Ron Wilson is probably trying to take credit for how great he turned out. You always here, you can’t teach certain types of talents, my belief is that the one thing you can’t teach or develop past a certain age is hands and lateral movement, both of which Kadri is top five in the league at doing. Kadri is the main building block for the team and it is time to reward him for all the work he has put in and the scrutiny he has taken. I know it is just a partial season, but he put up 44 points in 48 games, which included two hat tricks, put his full AHL/NHL season together and he had 70 points in 75 games.rnrnIf it were up to me, he would be the first 8-year contract the Leafs handed out. I’d hope with the length, we could get him for 4.5 million, but I’d go up to 5.5 million to ensure he’s here.
Cody Franson:
We hear, the saviour, Cody Franson, he was way past expectations. Well I beg to differ, but I acknowledge a good season. He put up 29 points in 45 games, along with 6 points in the 7 game series with Boston. I’m not sold that he is part of the big future in Toronto. It all depends what happens in the next year or so with a few names. I strongly believe that Jake Gardiner is the next Scott Niedermeyer, so he is your number one guy. If Morgan Rielly is as good as all say he is, then we have two Niedermeyer’s and there isn’t anything wrong with that. I think that pushes Dion Phaneuf out the door and unless he takes a significant drop in salary he will be traded this season. If that is the case, I can see a future with Cody Franson. Strong #4-5 guy that can play the powerplay. rnrnI’d like a three year deal at three million, but for Franson’s sake if its three million, I am assuming he wants a two year deal to open him for free agency.
Carl Gunnarsson:
An up and down career with Gunnarsson in Toronto, what to do. He has been Phaneuf’s partner for a while now, but the problem is the two aren’t a top pairing defence team. Gunnarsson is a good skater and good in his own end. Problem is, he’s probably more of a #3 or even #4 guy then a #2. I really only value him between 2.0 and 2.5 million on a two year deal.
Still Players to Sign:
The Leafs are going into the 2013-14 season looking very similar to the 2012-13 season with the addition of some small changes. The team is almost completely set, with a few contracts to be signed and basically just one battle for a roster spot, that being the fourth line center position.rnrnAs widely broadcasted, the Leafs have three main players yet to re-sign; and that being Nazem Kadri, Carl Gunnarson and Cody Franson. Mark Fraser also needs a new contract, however won’t bring in quite the amount the first three will.rnrnSo what are these players looking at getting in their new contract? Well I am going to play Dave Nonis for the time being.
Nazem Kadri:
Kadri proved all his doubters wrong this past season and somewhere Ron Wilson is probably trying to take credit for how great he turned out. You always here, you can’t teach certain types of talents, my belief is that the one thing you can’t teach or develop past a certain age is hands and lateral movement, both of which Kadri is top five in the league at doing. Kadri is the main building block for the team and it is time to reward him for all the work he has put in and the scrutiny he has taken. I know it is just a partial season, but he put up 44 points in 48 games, which included two hat tricks, put his full AHL/NHL season together and he had 70 points in 75 games.rnrnIf it were up to me, he would be the first 8-year contract the Leafs handed out. I’d hope with the length, we could get him for 4.5 million, but I’d go up to 5.5 million to ensure he’s here.
Cody Franson:
We hear, the saviour, Cody Franson, he was way past expectations. Well I beg to differ, but I acknowledge a good season. He put up 29 points in 45 games, along with 6 points in the 7 game series with Boston. I’m not sold that he is part of the big future in Toronto. It all depends what happens in the next year or so with a few names. I strongly believe that Jake Gardiner is the next Scott Niedermeyer, so he is your number one guy. If Morgan Rielly is as good as all say he is, then we have two Niedermeyer’s and there isn’t anything wrong with that. I think that pushes Dion Phaneuf out the door and unless he takes a significant drop in salary he will be traded this season. If that is the case, I can see a future with Cody Franson. Strong #4-5 guy that can play the powerplay. rnrnI’d like a three year deal at three million, but for Franson’s sake if its three million, I am assuming he wants a two year deal to open him for free agency.
Carl Gunnarsson:
An up and down career with Gunnarsson in Toronto, what to do. He has been Phaneuf’s partner for a while now, but the problem is the two aren’t a top pairing defence team. Gunnarsson is a good skater and good in his own end. Problem is, he’s probably more of a #3 or even #4 guy then a #2. I really only value him between 2.0 and 2.5 million on a two year deal.
Wow
were you born yesterday? coming off a 3 year elc you then give players a 2 year deal, then if they work out you can give your 5-8 year deal. kadri has only played in one season. signing him to an 8 year deal is too much of a gamble. Nonis already made one dumb signing in Clarkson, lets not see another. if you think gardiner and oreilly will be like niedermeyer you are insane. they will be good d, but you have to be realistic.
but his hands and lateral movement are top 5 in the league. You had better lock him up now.
Agreed with Kovey27 on Kadri. I would sign Franson and Kadri to bridge deals at 3 years at or under $3.5 per season. I would take a long look at Gunnerson. There are still a couple names I would be looking to fill his spot, as well as Liles via trade.
2 copies of possibly the greatest dman to ever play the game?You guys are set.
did you just give Kadri 5.5? Ffs.