Insider believes that the Buds will put in a call to Claude Giroux's agent this summer
The Leafs have been in the market for a top 6 forward for several seasons now and while they've tried in earnest to upgrade on the left side in the top six, the right fit just hasn't come along for the Buds.
However, Elliotte Friedman joined Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne on their radio show today and mentioned the Leafs could approach Claude Giroux. Given the Leafs' cap situation and what has been reported as Giroux's asking price, it's unlikely that we will see him in blue and white next season. Friedman did mention that he "wouldn't be surprised if they called him and just said, what would it take"? Friedge also revealed that Giroux is building a home in Ottawa and he made it very clear last year at the deadline he prefers to stay in the East. Coming off of an 8 year, $66M deal that paid him $8.275M per season, Giroux will not be taking much of a pay cut even though he is 34 years old.
The Leafs would be better to spread that type of money throughout the roster to fill out other needs such as a much better fourth line that Keefe can trust and play more than 5-6 minutes a night, but more importantly, to secure a tangible upgrade in net.
