Having just been entertained with one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, I'm sure a lot of fans like me have already started counting down to the start of next season. Until then it's going to be a very interesting off season as some very important decisions will have to be made:
1) upgrading the defence,
2) ufa's,
3) expansion draft protection,
4) back up goalie and depth, and
5) players in the final year of their contracts.
The off season for the Leafs have started today with the announcement of the resigning of Zaitsev and Smith.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...-zaitsev-long-term-extension-ben-smith-inked/
I've heard that Smith was signed to be exposed in the expansion draft so to protect Komerov and Martin.
I wish Zaitsev was 2" taller and 20 pounds heavier but he does play a rugged style. Don Cherry doesn't think he's worth the 7 year deal but I trust Lou an Mike's judgement on talent than Cherry's.
I'm sure a few other interesting moves will follow.
1) upgrading the defence,
2) ufa's,
3) expansion draft protection,
4) back up goalie and depth, and
5) players in the final year of their contracts.
The off season for the Leafs have started today with the announcement of the resigning of Zaitsev and Smith.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...-zaitsev-long-term-extension-ben-smith-inked/
I've heard that Smith was signed to be exposed in the expansion draft so to protect Komerov and Martin.
I wish Zaitsev was 2" taller and 20 pounds heavier but he does play a rugged style. Don Cherry doesn't think he's worth the 7 year deal but I trust Lou an Mike's judgement on talent than Cherry's.
I'm sure a few other interesting moves will follow.