The Maple Leafs: Analyzing Options As July 1st Free Agent Frenzy Begins

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

As the Calendar shifts from June to July, and Canadians celebrate Canada Day in their various fashions, the NHL gets ready for a little something they call, "free agent frenzy."

While many fans in Leafs Nation would prefer the club didn't sign too many high profile free agents, it looks like Brian Burke will be active.  The Leafs' GM has stated he will spend to the cap, and has a good chunk of change to work with.

Still, there is no doubt that the Maple Leafs must stay the course.  

Something is happening in Toronto.  Like it or not, this team is rebuilding, and they have taken steps in the right direction.  Are they giant steps?  Not really, but it's progress, and that's a positive sign.

Still, in the salary cap era, and with the structure of the current CBA, there is still a time and place for a rebuilding team to sign unrestricted free agents.  The key is spending wisely.

And with that, I present my list of this years players I think would be a good fit on the Toronto Maple Leafs.  

Note that I am not saying these players will all sign with the Maple Leafs.  In fact, I am not saying any of them will, but these are the players I think could find themselves in Blue and White next season, in no particular order.

Mattias Ohlund

He will be 33-years-old, by the time next season starts.  Ohlund is a player who Brian Burke is very familiar with, a factor that is prominent on this list.

Ohlund is a solid two-way defenseman who is steady on the back end, while contributing twenty to thirty points a season.  Ohlund was also an impressive plus fourteen last season with the Canucks.

Ohlund made $3.5 million last season with Vancouver, and with the likely departure of Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina, that is a number the Leafs will be able to live with.

Mike Cammalleri

A Toronto-area native, Cammalleri will be twenty eight by the time next season starts, and is coming off a career year with the Calgary.

Cammalleri scored thirty nine goals and finished the year with 82 points in 81 games with the Flames.  A solid offensive talent, many people believe Cammalleri has arrived as a top six forward, and his speed and scoring touch is something the Leafs could certainly use.  

And don't let the 5'9" frame fool you, Cammalleri has no problem mixing it up, or going into the corners for loose pucks.

Signing players off a career year can be risky though, and some say that Cammalleri isn't worth the $5 million plus he will be seeking.  And while his price tag is up for debate, there is little doubt his addition would make him the most skilled offensive player on the Maple Leafs.

Mike Komisarek

With a cap hit of $1.7 million last season, it's safe to say that is the last time anyone will get the services of Komisarek at that bargain price.

The menacing twenty-seven year old defenseman is a stay at home blueliner, notching around twenty points a year, Komisarek is more known for his heavy hitting, and ability to stand up for his teammates.

His 6'4", 240 pound frame is an intimidating figure, no matter where he is on the ice.

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