On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: Patrick Marleau just played his 1,500th game this week, and he’s not thinking of slowing down anytime soon. The 38-year old signed a three-year deal this offseason and could be thinking of playing beyond the contract.
“I’m going to keep going as long as I can,” he said. “I don’t know if my wife’s ready to have me at home full-time yet. If I feel good and still think I can contribute then I’ll keep it going.”
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: As noted last week, Maple Leafs pending free agent winger James van Riemsdyk could consider an eight-year deal at a lower salary cap hit to remain with the Leafs. Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov will also be unrestricted free agents after the season. asked Bozak if they talk about numbers to see how they could make it work.
“We don’t really talk too much about the math, I don’t think any of us are very good at math,’’ chuckled Bozak. “I mean, obviously we know the position we’re in and how important a year it is for us as individuals but also as a team. So, you don’t really need to say much, we pretty much know what’s going on.’’
Komarov said he hasn’t spoken about it at all.
If the Maple Leafs can trade for a top-four defenseman at the trade deadline, giving up some of their forward depth, they could be okay with losing a free agent for nothing. If the Leafs went this route, the cap space would be the asset they acquire.
