Leafs lose versatile winger to a Western Conference team via free agency
It's been quite an eventful day around the National Hockey League with more than 130 players signing new deals on the first day of free agency. Unfortunately for the Leafs, more plays have gone out than come in, with Noel Acciari (PIT), Luke Schenn (NSH), Ryan O'Reilly (NSH) and Justin Holl (DET) among those departing Toronto. As far as who has come in, just Ryan Reaves, John Klingberg, and a few AHL pieces have inked deals in Toronto.
There had been a lot of speculation throughout the day that the Leafs were involved in talks with Tyler Bertuzzi's camp and Max Domi's camp, but there was one familiar face with whom they had discussed the idea of a return. Those talks took place with Alex Kerfoot, but now it appears he'll be departing the organization as well.
Per Coyotes reporter Craig Morgan, Alex Kerfoot has signed a 2-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes, worth $3.5M per season, which is the same AAV he had been locked in at for his last 3 seasons in Toronto.
Kerfoot was the Leafs' go-to guy in terms of utility. He could play wing and center and was an excellent penalty killer for the Buds. However, his lack of offense last season may have been the beginning of the end for him in Toronto.
All the best to Kerfoot in his next chapter with his new team. Now, we can officially close the book on the infamous Nazem Kadri trade.
