On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Kristen Shilton of TSN: The Maple Leafs have a philosophy that you need to find the right person (ie. Brian Boyle) to fill need, and not just finding anyone to fill a need.
The Maple Leafs blueline could see some changes next season with Matt Hunwick and Roman Polak expected to hit free agency. Could GM Lou Lamoriello look to move a young forward for a defenseman?
“You’ll do whatever you can to get better, but you don’t do things for the sake of doing them,” Lamoriello said. “If you can’t bring in the right type of player, then you do nothing. I don’t know if anyone can gauge the market because, from my experience with expansion, a lot of things are going to take place prior to . Whatever you might think a team has excess of might not be .”
Forwards James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak are entering the final year of their deals. Coach Mike Babcock has said that William Nylander will remain on the wing next season, so it looks like Bozak could remain with the team.
Fourth line center Brian Boyle is a UFA and has said that he wouldn’t mind coming back next year.
Will the Leafs look to trade van Riemsdyk to free up a roster spot for someone younger?
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Forward James van Riemsdyk has a year left on his deal and hopes he stay.
“I’ve loved playing here ever since I came here. How I’ve been treated is great. It’s a place I want to play for as long as I can,” the winger said. “Where that takes things, we’ll see what happens. I love playing here. I want to be here.”
GM Lamoriello praised the contributions that van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov brought this past season.
“I don’t know what more we could’ve asked of them,” general manager Lou Lamoriello said. “They bought into what was being asked of them. They bought into a culture, and they embraced it. They embraced the young players and have tremendous respect for their talents and worked with them.
“The veterans are here for a reason. We went through 45-some players last season, and the players who are here belong in that locker room and are part of the future.”
Do the Leafs consider trading high on Bozak and/or van Riemsdyk? Trade rumors around the two will continue.
“Hopefully I’ll be here at the start of next year,” said Bozak, smiling. “I’ve been through a lot here, and to see where we’re going now, it’s something I’d like to be a part of. I thought I had a good year and played well. The rest is out of my control.”
The Leafs have right wingers but not a lot on the left side which will help out van Riemsdyk. Patrick Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk may be the top two left wingers on the free agent market, then there is a big drop off after that.
Mike Babcock will be scouting the Memorial Cup and over in Europe. There are “a few players” at the World Championships they are interested in.
Lou Lamoriello’s contract is up after next season” “As far as the future, I’ve got enough problems just getting up in the morning.”
