Leafs Ink Hagman, a Prophecy Fulfilled

As first reported by Scott Quinn (we got a friendly competition going on it seems, but bottom line is we're certainly bringing BR some solid Maple Leafs stuff these days aren't we?)

Hagman is a gritty speedy winger who scored 27 goals last season for the Stars.

Needless to say Hagman's four year deal for $3 million per season is a much better deal than the Jeff Finger signing of earlier today.

Just quickly (and to toot my own horn a little) if you click here, an article I wrote on who the Maple Leafs should sign, which I wrote sometime shortly after the regular season ended, you will see this blurb:

Niklas Hagman
Niklas Hagman could fill a lot of holes for the Toronto Maple Leafs if they are able to snag him in the offseason.  Playing all 82 games, Hagman had 27 goals and 14 assists, good for 41 points.  He also had eight game winning goals.  All this while making a paltry $675,000.  Certainly (like everyone else on this list) their respective teams will likely want to keep them in the fold, but if he does become available, Hagman would be a great pickup for Toronto, at a rather inexpensive cost.  Like others on this list, he is in line for a raise, but still should come in at around 1.5 million.  The Finnish born winger loves to use his speed and plays a determined game every night, never taking a shift off.  Does not have a real natural goal scoring ability, but he will use his speed and tenacity to work for every point he gets.  The Leafs would have to be weary of offering Hagman, who has only really had one good year, to a long term deal.  If they offer him a 2 year deal, he may reject it for a longer deal, but at this point the Leafs can't afford to gamble with long term deals.  It is the reason they are currently in salary cap peril.

Of course I flaked on the number and term but hey, what more do you want from me?

Quick Thought On Tucker, Raycroft

Let me just say good luck to Darcy Tucker and Andrew Raycroft who have both signed on with the Colorado Avalanche.

Getting rid of both of these men was the right thing for the Maple Leafs to do, but I think with a new start both could have a great year in the Mile High City