Who the Maple Leafs may target on July 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs will try once again to make the post season for the first time since the lockout as restless Leafs Nation fans await to see what general manager Brian Burke does come UFA time on July 1st. The Buds need a top line center, another one or two players for the bottom six forwards a puck moving defensemen and a veteran backup goalie.

The Leafs GM may fill a gap or two come draft day but nothing is certain except that the salary cap has been increased to $64 million for next season with the Leafs currently having about $25 million to spend. They will need to lockup restricted free agents Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur and Tyler Bozak which should cost the club about $8 million a season for all three while unrestricted free agent Tim Brent is all but a lock to return back for a small increase bringing spending room down to about $16 million.



We now take a look at UFA's that could fill the clubs needs  and what their chances of coming to Hogtown:

Forwards:

Brad Richards (31 years old)

The number one center the club covets, Richards is the biggest piece of pie this off season and would demand a hefty salary but does Richards want to play in Toronto is more of the question.

Potential Cap Hit: $8.5M to $10M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 3/10


Tim Connolly (30 years old)


The nifty center could fill the number one spot with the club and has something going for him, he is an American player, the one knock can he stay healthy long enough to make an impact this will keep his salary lower.

Potential Cap Hit: $4M to $5M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 5/10


Joel Ward (30 years old)


The hard working winger added to his worth with a great playoffs, usually played the shutdown role, will Ward head home this off season .


Potential Cap Hit: $2.5M to $3.5M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 8/10


Raffi Torres (30 years old)


Torres played his role well in Vancouver and has always been a Burke favourite with his grit.

Potential Cap Hit: $2M to $3M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 7/10

Defensemen: 


Ian White (27 years old)


White could make his return back to Toronto, he is a puck moving blueliner and already knows the clubs system well.


Potential Cap Hit: $2M to $3M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 7/10


Andrei Markov (32 years old)


Markov is in the same boat at Connolly, he has appeared in only 52 games the past two seasons but could the offensive blueliner reignite Komisarek.


Potential Cap Hit: $3.5M to $5M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 3/10


Christian Ehrhoff (28 years old)


Ehrhoff's point total has increased the past three seasons, the PP specialist is just what the Buds need.


Potential Cap Hit: $4.5M to $5.5M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 5/10

Goalies:


J. S. Giguere (34 years old)


Giguere could be back in the blue and white to mentor young Reimer and has had off season surgery to fix the nagging groin injury that plagued him most of last season.


Potential Cap Hit: $1.3M to $2.2M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 8/10


Mathieu Garon (33 years old)


Garon has been a respectable backup most of his career and could step in if Reimer falters.


Potential Cap Hit: $1.5M to $2M
Chances of coming to Toronto: 4/10


Well there you have it Leafs Nation a look at some UFAs that could help the club move forward in their quest to return to Lord Stanley's playoff picture. Who do you think the club will land when the UFA window opens?


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