Kovy the New Favre?

So apparently....Kovalchuk hasn't signed with New Jersey? In a strange turn of events, the earlier reports of Kovalchuk signing with the Devils have been rescinded, and it is reported that negotiations are back on with the Kings, who were earlier reported as out of the running. One things for sure, Kovalchuk is probably not making any friends around the league, with this kind of Brett Farvesque performance. He set a deadline of today to make a decision, but has now pushed it back furthur. Seems he enjoys the spotlight, shocking really.

However the Maple Leafs made a move on the free agent front today, signing veteran defenceman and former Red Wing Brett Lebda, to a two year $1.45 million (US) a season. In 2008, when Detroit won the Cup, Lebda played in 19 playoff games and averaged 12:33 of ice time.The 5-foot-9 Lebda, was born in Buffalo Grove, Ill., and was a CCHA all-star with Notre Dame, with 85 points in 152 games. He signed with Detroit as a free agent six years ago this month and has 68 points in 326 regular-season games, many of them paired with Chris Chelios.

This signing would appear like the almost certain end of Tomas Kaberle's career with the Leafs. If you include Jeff Finger the Leafs have eight NHL ready defenceman, the others are: Dion Phaneuf, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarsson, Lebda and Kaberle. Where Kaberle goes is still the million dollar question but Burke has stated he has 5 offers and an insult at this point. It is also rumoured the LA Kings have garnered the most interest, but this would probably largely be depending on what happens with the Kovalchuk saga.

Buffalo, New Jersey, and Anaheim, have also showed interest, but Burke's going to go anywhere he can get the best deal. Burke's getting ready to pull the trigger on a big deal and I can't wait to see his brainstorm. Stay Tuned Leafs Nation

What Does the Kovulchuk Signing Mean to the Rest of the NHL?

Big news from the NHL today. It is being reported that Ilya Kovulchuk, is poised to sign a $60 million dollar deal, that will see the prolific goalscorer stay in the swamp, for the next seven seasons. In lieu of this signing however, this makes the trade, and free agent markets different today. With the big fish of free agency gone, teams will more than likely try to bolster their lineup via trade, or pay a little more than they would have for some offence. Names like: Paul Kariya, Alexander Frolov, Bobby Ryan, Raffi Torres, and Teemu Selanne, are now the frontrunners with Kovulchuk gone. Before Lou Lamerello signed Kovulchuk however, the Devils only had roughly $4.8 million in cap space. So now the GM is left to cut salary.

Enter the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Leafs GM Brian Burke, and New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamirello are known to be friends, and colleagues in US National Hockey. The Devils need to cut salary and the Leafs need offence, role forwards, and/or a veteran d-man.

This a more than likely destination for Kaberle, and the perfect situation (just like Chicago) to get a bargain player from a team with cap issues. Names that immediately jump to mind to come the other way would include : Jason Arnott (salary of $4mil plus to score 19 goals last year?), Travis Zajac (age 25 with 25 goals last year), Zach Parise (age 25, 38 goals, RFA at the end of next season), and/or Jamie Langenbrunner (solid veteran forward, UFA after next season).

More and more I see some kind of deal being worked out between this two teams, as the devils must move to cut salary to avoid a penalty. They have to cut roughly $5 million in salary so we will wait and see who is on the way out. Stay Tuned Leafs Nation

Maple Leafs Trade Possibilities

With the acquisition of Colby Armstrong, and Kris Versteeg, the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to be only a few players away from a serious, young, playoff team. I believe with a few more smart moves the Buds can have a nice combination of size, skill, veteran presence, and grit, to help take these young kids to the next level. Here is what I think Toronto should do to help this team win.

Bury Jeff Finger Salary in the Minors

(Frees up $3.5 million in Cap Space)

If your not going to play him to up his trade value, and you don't want to pay him $3.5 million to be a healthy scratch, they need to designate him to the minors to avoid his cap hit, and free up some space for some more forwards.

Sign Maxim Afinogenov

(Ballpark 1 or 2 year at $2 to 2.5 million)

After somewhat losing his offence prowess that shone early in his career in Buffalo, Afinogenov has regained his form during his first season with the Atlanta Thrashers. The 6'', 190 pound Russian, hit the 20-goal mark this season for the fourth time in his career, and first since the ’06-07 campaign. He played in all 82 games for the first time in hist 10 year NHL career, and ranked second on the team with 61 points. Afinogenov also represented Team Russia during the 2010 Olympics, collecting 2 points in four games. The 30 year old right winger would be a veteran presence on the Maple Leafs and a great fit on the second line, with Nikoli Kulemin and Tyler Bozak.

Trade Tomas Kaberle and Mikhail Grabovski to the Florida Panthers for Stephen Weiss and a 3rd round Pick

(Frees $3.8 million in Cap Space)

Simple. The Leafs need a solid number one centre. The Florida Panthers need a veteran puck moving defenceman to setup Bryan McCabe on the powerplay. This is more than plausible, as new Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon, has already dealt Nathan Horton, and has expressed interest in not only movingWeiss, but reuniting former Leafs teammates Bryan Mccabe and Tomas Kaberle. This is also more likely because Mr. Kaberle is probably going to stay in the Eastern Conference. Mikhail Grabovski would also be part of the deal as the Leafs are steady at Centre position with the acquisition of Weiss, to compliment Bozak, Kadri, and either Christian Hanson or John Mitchell. Grabovski could use a change of scenery, and the rebuilding Panthers might be interested in someone with his speed, and puck handling abilities.

Acquire Sheldon Souray off Waivers from the Edmonton Oilers

($2.7 million Cap Hit)

With Kaberle gone, the Maple Leafs will need a veteran defenceman to fill the void. With Edmonton paying half of his salary next season, and Keith Aulie and Phil Oreskovic in the minors, why not take the $2.7 million dollar bargain, and see if he reagin his form in the blue and white? In 2006-2007 with Montreal, Souray put up 64 points, and in 2008-2009 with Edmonton he put up 53 points playing 81 games in both those seasons. But those two seasons in between, he has been plagued by shoulder injuries, but if the Leafs can keep him healthy, he would be a great addition to the organization.

So that would leave the Leafs Roster looking something like this:

Versteeg -Weiss- Kessel
Kulemin-Bozak- Afinogenov
Sjostrom- Kadri- Armstrong
Caputi -Hanson/Mitchell- Orr

Souray-Phaneuf

Beauchemin-Komisarek

Shenn- Gunnarsson

I'd say that's a playoff team wouldn't you? It also leaves the Leafs with roughly $11 million in Cap space to do what they wish. Other viable options I believe are: Veteran Winger Paul Kariya, Young Forward Aleander Frolov, or possibly even Dustin Brown if Burke's Really on his game. Darkhorse: Mike Madano. Stay Tuned Leafs Nation.