Great comment. Money being an asset is key but as we both mentioned they need players to give that money to. I think Higgins may be an option just because I’m not so sure the Rangers will even want to re-sign him.

The reality is, it is going to be tough to take that next step up. I just don’t see where the team finds the pieces to make that step with the true contenders.

One thing which is pretty evident is the list of players on the hook for next year are pretty much on par for cap space with their actual salary except Schenn (bonus). Well how about getting some players and front loading some of their contracts? If any team can afford to do that it would be the Leafs right? I’m actually very against this practice but I would chalk it up as to what they should have done prior to the salary cap, buy their way up since they can, Yankees style.

I’m not impressed with any of the players that need to be resigned but I would keep Poni for about the same money if he’d be willing to take that. Everybody else on the UFA list? No sentiment really… even Stajan. If he would stay for relatively the same money then perhaps. Poni is Ukranian actually… whatever.

As far as the RFAs go, Kulemin is an off and on sort of guy. He hasn’t been really given a chance but has he really shown he deserves the chances? It’s a tough call for him for me.
Mitchell I’d keep but not for a great raise. White is definitely a keeper simply because he earns his time like no other player on the team while Gustavsson is a must keep IMO. To me that is based on the fact that I don’t want to see Vesa Toskala back. So as far as the RFAs go keep them all.

So here we come to the UFA market… I see names such as Kovalchuk and Savard who basically can be picky about who they play for or where they go. They have choices. Would either even want to play on the Leafs regardless of the money? They are going to demand large dollars anyway… As much as I’d like to see either since they are legitimate star players I can’t see either actually wanting to play on Toronto. Who’d think that going from the Thrashers to the Leafs would not even be a lateral move.

I’ve always like Frolov but would Burke? I mean his name ends in OV. I don’t see any game left in Morrison. Higgins… well he is American he has that going for him and he could team up again with his buddy Komi but he is home. I’m assuming he’d want to stay there. Plekanec? Another former Hab would be good just so they wouldn’t have him. Poaching old Habs doesn’t seem to do it though. Gainey just replaces them anyway What are we left with… Torres? For a year that the Leafs need to practically feed from the free agency market, the pickings are slim or not in their favor in any way really. The team has definitely slipped away from one of the desirable teams to play for unless you are looking to make big money like Kessel.

I still see the Leafs’ only advantage at this point being money. They can offer more of it than most teams out there. The only way to take advantage of that right now is to use it to your advantage IF MLSE is on board. There’s always them to contend with too.

I put my money on Gustavsson – it will take a year or two for him to become a top notch goalie, but I do believe it is in him.