Insider links Maple Leafs to pair of Boston Bruins
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in a pair of players from their most heated rivals, the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins dispatched the Leafs in seven games for the fourth time since 2013 and with a number of players on expiring contracts, Leafs GM Brad Treliving is expected to complete a massive overhaul of the roster. Two players he and the Leafs could and should target are Jake DeBrusk and Linus Ulmark, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.
DeBrusk will be a free agent as of July 1st and was a Leaf killer during their first round series. He totalled 11 points in 13 playoff games with the Bruins before they were ousted by the Florida Panthers.
In 80 games this season, DeBrusk registered 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points. He will be looking for some security after coming off of a 2-year deal that carried a $4M cap hit and at the age of 27, has a number of productive years ahead of him. The hard-nosed style that he plays, coupled with his size and skill would add another power forward to the Leafs' top-six.
In goal, the Leafs have longed for stability and while Joseph Woll is the goaltender of the future, his durability is a huge question mark.
It was clear from Treliving's comments during his recent press conference that Ilya Samsonov won't be back and will test the free agent market, but the Leafs need a veteran presence to support Woll. Enter Linus Ullmark.
Who else would be better than the guy that played the same role for Jeremy Swayman the past couple of seasons?
Ulmark is entering the final year of his contract, which comes with a 15 team no-trade list starting July first and carries a $5M cap hit. Considering the cost that number one goaltenders have recently signed for, it is a ridiculous bargain. Of course, any trade with the Bruins will cost the Leafs much more than other teams due to the division rivalry.
| POLL | ||
19 MAI | 446 ANSWERS Insider links Maple Leafs to pair of Boston Bruins Who would you prefer the Leafs acquire? | ||
| DeBrusk | 81 | 18.2 % |
| Ulmark | 113 | 25.3 % |
| Both | 182 | 40.8 % |
| Neither | 70 | 15.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
