The Leafs' biggest need coming into this summer was on the blueline. Heading into Monday's free agent frenzy, the Leafs' defense corps currently consist of Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Simon Benoit and Timothy Liljegren.
There is still hope that the Leafs and Chris Tanev will come to terms on a deal prior to the start of free agency, but with Kevin Weekes' report on Sunday evening suggesting that Tanev's cap hit could be as much as $5M per season, there's definitely some cause for concern. Now, we can add concerns over Ekman-Larsson's potential contract as well.
According to Elliotte Friedman, an Ekman-Larsson deal in Toronto could be 3 years at $4M per season.
Listen, I'm completely fine with the Leafs pursuing a deal with Ekman-Larsson, who just won a Stanley Cup with Florida this year. However, $4M is entirely too much money for what very well may be a 3rd pairing defenseman.
POLL | ||
JUILLET 1 | 645 ANSWERS Maple Leafs reportedly pondering concerning deal with Oliver Ekman-Larsson If the Leafs sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a 3-year deal worth $4M per season, how will you feel about it? | ||
Fine - he's a Stanley Cup winner | 259 | 40.2 % |
Not great. He's not a $4M defenseman | 197 | 30.5 % |
I'll keep an open mind about it | 189 | 29.3 % |
List of polls |