The Maple Leafs are in good shape, both with talent and money under the salary cap, and that has led to rumors of a possible big edition this summer.
Steven Stamkos will hit the free agent market in the coming days and will garner plenty of attention. Reports have the 26-year-old set to make upwards of $10 million per year with his new deal, but where he lands is still up in the air.
There have been reports that he would like to return to his hometown of Toronto, but that price tag could prove too much. He could choose to take a bit less to play for the Leafs and his addition would definitely generate a buzz and make this franchise a playoff contender next season.
Despite his young age, the former first overall pick has now played eight years in the league, compiling 562 total points in that time, including three years with 90+ points and that type of production could change the fortunes of any franchise, even one with a young talent like Matthews set to make his NHL debut.
While Toronto is one of the favorites to land the talented center, they aren’t the only squad looking to make a pitch to sign the veteran when July 1 hits the calendar.
Detroit is now the obvious choice with the Red Wings making room on their roster with the recent trade of Pavel Datsyuk. Not only did this move give the front office room to make a big offer, the teams long history of making the playoffs could make it tough to disregard.
Another franchise that has the resources to make a big offer is Buffalo and while the Sabres need a big star, both on and off the ice, money would be the only reason to take his services to Northern New York as this team has struggled and don’t appear to have the talent to make a run at a title anytime soon.
