Insider provides several important Leafs updates ahead of the free agent frenzy tomorrow
With less than 24 hours remaining now until free agency opens up, the Leafs are expected to be one of the busier teams over the next day or so, between getting their own free agents locked up to new deals and trying to fill the holes throughout their lineup.
On Friday, during the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman addressed a number of Leafs topics, including two players who he believes are high on Toronto's list, as well as touching on the Leafs UFA situations and the Matthews/Nylander negotiations. Among the more interesting subjects was the idea that the Leafs could be headed towards a reunion with a former player.
"The Oilers are tight to the cap... I still think they're looking at the potential of Connor Brown... I look at the favourites for Connor Brown being Edmonton and Toronto." - Friedman on the Leafs being a favourite to sign ex-Leaf Connor Brown
Brown isn't the only name coming up in connection to the Leafs, as Ryan Reaves is also right there, according to Freidman.
"I've mentioned Ryan Reaves... if he hits the market, I think Toronto is very much in the picture here. I think they're going to get beefier and there's any doubt about that."Friedge on Reaves
A lot of people have been wondering where the team stands on Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn. Well, according to Friedman, it's pretty well status quo right now, due to the lofty asking prices from both pending UFAs.
"Brad Treliving said the price on some of their current free agents was a little high, O'Reilly, Schenn.. I think there's competition for Schenn, I think there's competition for O'Reilly." Friedman on Schenn, O'Reilly
Lastly, arguably the two most important conversations - William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Friedman doesn't believe either deal gets done over the next week, unfortunately. He did suggest that there's no doubt that Matthews will get done. He could not say the same for Nylander.
"Matthews, I don't think is signing this week, but I do think he'll be signed before the start of next season. The Willy Nylander thing - I just don't think it's close right now, I really don't. I think the Leafs are comfortable with Matthews, they know he's signing and they know he'll be signed before next season. The Nylander one, I don't know. Like we saw - the kid took it right to the deadline last time... This is not a guy who has a history of backing down, neither does his family, nor his agent... When I left the draft on Thursday, the only words I was hearing was "not even close" [on Nylander]." - Friedman on Nylander and Matthews
Lots to come over the next 24-48 hours, folks. We'll continue to bring you any and all updates as soon as they become available.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 425 ANSWERS Insider provides several important Leafs updates ahead of the free agent frenzy tomorrow If you could only have one of Connor Brown or Ryan Reaves in Toronto, who would you pick? | ||
| Reaves | 185 | 43.5 % |
| Brown | 183 | 43.1 % |
| Neither | 57 | 13.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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