The Free agency frenzy is done and over with. However, there are still key names on the open market. Every general manager has laid the groundwork, but there is still more to do. NHL Rumours are flying around like clockwork. Today we focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vladimir Tarasenko.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs
Some #LeafsForever notes from Pagnotta:
– Nylander is looking for a $10M AAV on a new contract, the Leafs are looking more at $8.5M
– Nothing is close between Auston Matthews and the Leafs, Matthews will not take anything more then 5 years
– Brodie and Robertson are… https://t.co/rsS4FNtn7t— Maple Leafs News (@budsallday34) July 5, 2023
The core four may be no more for the Maple Leafs. As of right now William Nylander is with the club. However, he and the club are far apart on a new contract. As mentioned above, he is seeking an AAV of $10 million. The club is standing at $8.5 million. Given the fact that Nylander has one year left on his current contract, a trade could be on the horizon. Toronto would rather capitalize on a return than watch him walk away for free.
Nylander is due a significant raise and rightfully so.
Nylander had a career year this season. His 87 points finished second behind Mitch Marner. In addition, his 32.9 expected goals ranked third on the club. His ability to generate and create offence was on full display this season. It was evident by his ability to get shots through traffic (61% Fenwick) as well as his Corsi For. Furthermore, Nylander scored well above his expected (40 goals). Nylander excelled defensively as well with his 70 takeaways.
New manager Brad Treliving has his hands full not only with Nylander but also with the Auston Matthews extension. Get the popcorn ready cause this could be chaotic.
Vladimir Tarasenko
EF on NHL Network: “I’ve heard SJ has interest in Tarasenko, I’ve heard at times that NSH did, I think also OTT, once the DeBrincat trade comes down, they had some interest but I don’t think Tarasenko has found the market to be what he wants, I don’t think that’s going to change”
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 6, 2023
This has been one of the critical things to circle around. It was first reported that Tarasenko was going to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. That would have been huge, given their need for a scoring winger and to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. However, that is not the case. Tarasenko has hired a new agent in hopes of signing a lucrative deal.
It remains to be seen where he lands, but there is a buzz about what teams could show interest. Rumblings have been that the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Ottawa Senators have shown interest. A lot hinges on the Alex DeBrincat sweepstakes for that to happen. All these teams could use a player like Tarasenko. After the disappointing first-round exit to the New Jersey Devils, Tarasenko expressed his desire to want to stay in New York.
The Rangers are up against the salary cap, and landing there is unlikely. Tarasenko has not found what market he wants to go to. However, he will have plenty of suitors. Tarasenko is a five-time 30-goal scorer and hits the 40 mark once. Even though he took a step back in 2022-23, he was an 82-point player the season prior. There is plenty of hockey left in the tank. Time will tell where he lands.
Main Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
