Who Should Brian Burke Go After This Offseason?

(Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

With the Maple Leafs being out of contention for the playoffs for quite some time, most people are looking towards he draft. But Brian Burke has spoken adamantly about building the team both through the draft and through free agency.

With all the talk focused on who the Leafs would take in the first round, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about what players Brian Burke should go for in free agency.

Mike Komisarek - D

6 foot 4, 237 pounds, Age 27

The type of defensemen that Brian Burke goes for is tough, gritty and good in the defensive zone. Mike Komisarek fits all those qualities and is big to boot.

Even though Montreal wants the All-Star back for next year, he might be expendable with ten other unrestricted free agents needing to be signed this off-season in Montreal.

With rumours swirling that Kubina or Kaberle will be gone by the 2009 draft, Mike Komisarek might be on the top of Burke's radar.

Travis Moen - LW

6 foot 2, 215 pounds, Age 26

The Maple Leafs currently have Brad May on the team to bring grit, experience and toughness to a line-up that has none. The problem with this is that Brad May is a 37 year old tough guy.

That is where Travis Moen comes in. He is built in the exact mold of Brad May, just 11 years younger. He may not be the best defensive player, but he brings toughness and experience that cannot be matched by most other young free agents out there.

If Brad May retires, look for Brian Burke to try everything he has to sign the experienced Moen.

Dominic Moore - C

6 foot 0, 188 pounds, Age 28

Brian Burke tried to get him signed before the trade deadline and Dominic Moore just wanted too much money.

The Buffalo Sabres traded for him to make a playoff push but it seems like they will come up just short.

With Moore expecting someone to pay over $2 million for his services, he might have to wait to find a buyer. The Maple Leafs will make an offer, it all just matters on whether he is willing to bite his pride and take a pay cut to play for his favourite team growing up.

Mike Cammalleri - LW

With the Calgary Flames, Michael Cammalleri has had the best season of his career, scoring at a point-a-game pace while playing along side perennial All-Stars in Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen.

So why would he want to leave Calgary?

To play for his favourite team growing up of course.

He has stated that he would like to play for the Maple Leafs and all that is stopping him is how much Brian Burke is willing to pay him. If Brian Burke matches whatever Darryl Sutter offers, then Cammalleri could be in a Maple Leafs uniform real soon.

Martin Gerber - G

5 foot 11, 199 pounds, Age 34

Literally a month ago, Martin Gerber was playing for the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. Now, he is the starter of the Maple Leafs.

Since joining the Leafs, Gerber has shown the ability to play consistently, something that he could not find in Ottawa.

With Vesa Toskala showing that he needs competition to play at his best, signing Martin Gerber as a back-up could be a good decision. Just matters how much money Gerber is expecting and what exactly Burke is looking for in a back-up.

Tyler Bozak - D

6 foot 0, 165 pounds, Age 23

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