Assuming he doesn't re-up in Winnipeg, Toronto is a possible landing spot for this veteran center
A 16-year NHL veteran that has amassed 800 points in 1073 games, second generation NHLer Paul Stastny is still a top 6 center and one that the Leafs should take a long, hard look at this summer, if available. He put up 45 points in 71games this past season, remains a versatile forward who can play in different roles and has a team-first demeanour. Beyond that, he's a low-maintenance player who wants to win.
His last contract was a 1-year $3.75M deal with Winnipeg last season, but at the age of 36 and with Father Time catching up to him, a discounted next contract for a chance to win could be a win-win for Stastny and the Leafs. Stastny recently told The Athletic, "I'm getting older in my career so I don't really have that much time left. So really for us, it's that I just want to win. It's finding a good opportunity where you know you can help the team and you're a good fit. Obviously it's always hard thinking like that because there's so many good teams you just never know what happens throughout the year.»
It sounds like he would be willing to take a much lower salary for a favourable chance to win, and given the uncertainty in Winnipeg, it is likely it will be elsewhere this coming season. Signing Stastny to a cheap contract would give the Leafs the opportunity to shift Tavares to the wing and have a second line of Tavares-Stastny-Nylander. Stastny is a better skater than Tavares even though he is 5 years older, and it would take some of the defensive responsibility away from Tavares, freeing him up more offensively.
Not only would Stastny provide more 5-on-5 balance for the Leafs but he would also add some fire power to the second powerplay unit and an additional forward that Keefe can use on the penalty kill. This move makes a world of sense for both sides, but whether or not it will come to fruition is another story.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 750 ANSWERS Assuming he doesn't re-up in Winnipeg, Toronto is a possible landing spot for this veteran center Is Paul Stastny a fit for the Leafs this summer? | ||
| Definitely | 295 | 39.3 % |
| No | 270 | 36 % |
| Enough vets. Let's chase some good younger players | 185 | 24.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
