Lamoriello avoiding costly toys
Leafs GM wants to stick with developing talent
The Shanaplan could be described as ahead of schedule, but Lou Lamoriello is not cutting corners.
The Toronto Maple Leafs general manager gave a hearty laugh at the notion free-agency shopping would tempt him to accelerate with willy- nilly signings instead of William Nylander- type drafting. To those who insist the Stanley Cup window is a small one in the post-lockout NHL, Lamoriello had a wry comeback on Thursday.
“Well, that was fast. To go from where we were ( 30th place last year) to the window closing. I don’t think so.
“First of all, you ( sign UFAs) if it makes sense, there has to be a reason for it. I think it’s very important to be mentioned we’ve added three free agents already, two defencemen and a forward.”
He was referring to Andreas Borgman and Calle Rosen from Sweden and former Anaheim draft pick forward Miro Aaltonen. All have entry-level deals.
As much as the Leafs improved last season, 30th up to 14th and into the playoffs again where they gave Washington all it could handle, they’re a ways from need- ing a final piece, as the Caps thought they added with Kevin Shattenkirk. While upgrades on defence are available starting at noon Saturday, a bidding war for someone such as Shattenkirk is not what the Leafs desire now.
“You have to put yourself in position to be competitive for a long time and then win for a long time,” Lamoriello said of the team’s oft- stated rebuild tenet. “We also have to look where we’ll be with (contracts) looking ahead.”
The Oilers are finding that out now as they steer their way through mega- deals for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
STAYING IN CHARACTER
In the expansion draft, Toronto protected winger Matt Martin, considered one of its best role models.
Lead- by- example dressing- room lieutenants would appear to be one of this weekend’s largest commodities, with Joe Thornton, Scott Hartnell and Justin Williams available to the young Leafs. They could perhaps re-sign Brian Boyle, too.
“You never have enough character,” Lamoriello said. “But having said that, our team is a year older. They’re used to the coach (Mike Babcock) and the culture.”
In other words, the brass would like to see gumption grown from within, collectively and not just by pinning a ‘ C’ on Auston Matthews, a move likely at least another year away.
BROOKS COOKS
Achieving 250 points in two years earned mid-round pick Adam Brooks a threeyear entry level contract announced Thursday.
Brooks, who was passed over twice, then chosen as a 20-year-old after 120 points, accumulated more this year while captain of the WHL’s Regina Pats. The centre also had a strong development camp with the Leafs in 2016.
“Our scouts did an outstanding job drafting him,” Lamoriello said. “Then he did the same thing this year. That was no accident. And he was injured (for six games).”
ULTIMATE ASSISTANCE
Former Toronto players Dan Daoust, Tom Fergus and Rick Vaive helped Mike Wilson ( ultimateleafsfans.com) and Dragons’ Den star Michael Werkele and musician Greg Godovitz at Wilson’s team- themed museum Tuesday night to raise funds and awareness for the Chase McEachern Memorial Fund. It’s dedicated to reducing deaths due to cardiac arrest by having automated external defibrillators in schools, hockey arenas and public places, with proper training for volunteers.
In 2006, at age 12, the sports- l oving McEachern collapsed at school and later died, but wanted his legacy to be the availability of AEDs for others. That same year, the Ontario government introduced the Chase McEachern Act protecting people from liability if they assisted someone, using a defibrillator, at an emergency ( under certain conditions) or ( again under certain conditions) if they made defibrillators available in good faith.
LOOSE LEAFS
Lamoriello agrees there could be a bargain with a backup goaltender after July 1, given that it’s a buyer’s market. Will the Leafs wait awhile for filling the position? “Good question, but we have complete faith in Frederik Andersen,” Lamoriello said ... Antoine Bibeau, who had a win and loss in two decisions last year, was not given a qualifying offer, leaving Garret Sparks and Kasimir Kaskisuo as the only other experienced pros at present ... Forward Seth Griffith was also not qualified ... Defenceman Timothy Liljegren, the Leafs’ 2017 first- round pick, believes he’s returning to his Rogle club team in Sweden next year, but Lamoriello says no decision has been made. He and Brooks will be at next week’s development camp in Toronto.
YOU SIGN (UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS) IF IT MAKES SENSE.