This will be the future headline in all the newspapers, tv stations and the internet once the free agent period begins on July 1, 2009. Brian Burke looks to place his own big stamp on the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and rebuild this team back into a playoff contender this off season when the UFA period begins. The questions many Maple Leaf fans have, myself included is who will it be?. There are a number of offensive players that Burke could go after in the UFA market with the Leafs currently having roughly $13 million in cap space to spend. The money is there for a player or two or possible three if Burke is wheeling and dealing to open up even more cap space.
The best suited UFAs for the Maple Leafs and chances of these players putting on the Blue and White:(0- No chance, 10- Sure Thing)
The Sedin Twins: Burke wheeled and dealed to be able to draft these two brothers and have them together in Vancouver he would love to do the same for Toronto. The Sedins, Daniel and Henrik would be a potent first line pairing for the Leafs for years to come and at the age of 27 would be around for a long time.
Possible Contract: 5 years at around $5.5 to $6.5 million a piece.
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 4
Mike Cammalleri: Burke has seen enough of this player when he was in Anaheim and Cammalleri in L.A., so has an idea what he could bring to the table, Cammalleri a lifetime Leaf fan and two time thirty goal scorer is currently 27 and could like nothing better to play in front of family and friends in the prime of his career.
Possible Contract: 6 years at around $5 to $6 million a season.
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 8
Francois Beauchemin: Another player from Burke's old stomping ground, former Stanley Cup champ, tough defensemen and 29. Burke would like to bring him to Toronto and becomes more valuable to the team if Kaberle or Kubina are moved out.
Possible Contract: 4 years at around $3 to $4 million a season.
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 6
Travis Moen: Another player from Burke's Stanley Cup champs and fits Burke's theory on what the back six forwards should be like on an NHL roster, has a mean streak and plays his role well at 27 many years left.
Possible Contract: 4 years at around $1.5 to $2.5 million a season
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 6
Chris Neil: This is Burke's type of player a mean player who chips in the odd goal, willing to stand up for teammates and the time may have come for him to cross the province and join the other side of the Battle of Ontario. At 29 Neil has lost a step but fits the mold of Burke's back six forwards and change of scene could spark the player.
Possible Contract: 2 years at around $1 to $2 million a season
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 8
Jay Bouwmeester: The possible future Maple Leafs number one defensemen, critics wonder how Bouwmeester would respond to playing in hockeys hot bed after playing his whole career in the quiet atmosphere of Miami. The catch of the UFA season and at 25 still has aways to go in potential.
Possible Contract: 7 years at around $7 to $8 million a season
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 5
Mike Komisarek: He likes to hit anything the moves and is a tremoendous physical package for any NHL team. Komisarek's mean streak is just what Burke has in mind for this passive blueline and at 27 is entering his prime.
Possible Contract: 5 years at around $5 to $6 million a season.
Realistic Chance to land in Toronto: 3
There are many other potential NHL free agents but this looks to be the best options i can see that would mold this team to Burke's liking and with some of the potential youngsters already on the roster we may just find out what playoff hockey is for the first time since the lockout.
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