Dubas on clock to spend dollars wisely
About all that we can say with absolute certainty, regarding the Maple Leafs, is that Zach Hyman will become a member of the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.
OK, so there might be a couple of other things we could put forth with confidence.
We reported a couple of weeks ago that indications were that defenceman Zach Bogosian was going to test the open market. On Tuesday, we were told there is “no chance” that Bogosian will re-sign with the Leafs once National Hockey League free agency starts on Wednesday.
While Bogosian might prefer to return to a U.s.based team, the simple fact is other clubs can offer more money, perhaps on multiyear deals, than anything the Leafs could put on the table. And keep in mind that there was genuine interest from Toronto’s end in retaining the 31-year-old New York native.
And while it remains speculation as to who Dubas will acquire in goal, whether it’s via free agency or trade, you could bet your house that the Leafs will have a familiar name alongside Jack Campbell once the regular season starts in October.
All due respect to Frederik Andersen, with whom the Leafs have continued to talk, it’s time for Toronto to move on and get some fresh blood in the crease. Andersen had numerous chances to prove his worth in the playoffs and couldn’t change the course of the Leafs. And if teams agree that Andersen is the goalie that he thinks he is, not the one who struggled last season when he was not injured, he’s going to receive a better offer on the open market. One factor to remember as Dubas goes about trying to properly spend the approximately US$9.3 million he has at his disposal under the $81.5-million salary cap: The core of this team, even with the scrutiny it has endured since blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Montreal Canadiens in the opening round of the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, is solid and should still have its best days to come.
Mitch Marner (first team) and Auston Matthews (second team) didn’t stumble into all-star spots with their performances in the regular season. The contract given to John Tavares three years ago, $77-million (Canadian) for seven seasons, will only get more expensive, but Tavares, cleared to return to the ice after being knocked out of the playoffs in Game 1 against Montreal, is a key cog for Toronto.
Another 30-goal season for William Nylander in 2021-22, which would be his second in the NHL, should be expected.
The top four on the blue line, one that helped the Leafs turn around defensively last season, returns intact. Put us in the group that believes Rasmus Sandin will take the next stride in his career and make an impact through 82 games.
The core group now has to take the next step, or three, in the post-season. Despite the past failures, there’s nothing definitive that says that can’t happen.
There’s little doubt that the coming days will be a test for Dubas, considering he does not have much financial wiggle room.
A goalie of the ilk of Petr Mrazek, Linus Ullmark or Jaroslav Halak might be a nice piece alongside Jack Campbell, and if not, there’s likely going to be an opportunity to trade for Darcy Kuemper with Arizona if Dubas can put the right offer together.
A couple of free-agent forwards who have ties to Dubas or coach Sheldon Keefe from their days with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Michael Bunting and Nick Ritchie, might be enticing.
Getting a healthy Nick Foligno back on board in free agency would help. Blake Coleman would be nice, but after helping the Tampa Bay Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups, could be too pricey for Toronto after he made Us$1.8-million in each of the past three seasons.
Brock Mcginn could work.
If indeed the Leafs sign Josh Ho-sang, at best it’s a project. Ho-sang has not played in the NHL since January 2019 with the New York Islanders and spent the past season in Sweden.
Free-agent defencemen who could interest the Leafs include Ian Cole, Derek Forbort or Jake Mccabe.
Remember that if Dubas adds in free agency, it’s not going to make a giant splash. Not with the limited funds on hand. And if Dubas doesn’t do much in the next day or two, also remember that he has said he’d try to line up trading partners.
The Leafs’ core will take a hit without the services of Hyman, who’s in line for a seven-year pact with the Oilers. Still, it’s a core that drove the club to first place in the North Division.
Dubas has to ensure he spends his few dollars wisely to complement the group.