An In-Depth Look at the Toronto Maple Leafs as They Begin Free Agency

Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said when he got here it would not take 5-10 years to re-tool the team, and he is trying to prove just that. Here is an in-depth look at where the Maple Leafs stand heading into free agency and who they might go after.

Forwards

With the acquisition of forward Kris Versteeg from the Blackhawks, they found themselves a top six forward. They gave up a player with potential to be one in Viktor Stalberg but as of right now they won this deal. The Maple Leafs have about $17 million to spend on about five players which means they will have money to spend to sign another top six forward or trade for one.

Some forwards they may go after today are Colby Armstrong, who can score 20 goals and tally 150 PIMS. Or Matthew Lombardi, who can score 25 goals and is one of the better skaters in the NHL. And of course they could go the trade route and try to acquire Marc Savard, who should come cheap, though Leafs fans have been worried about his health and I don't blame them, as he has had problems with concussions.

Defensemen

With the acquisition of Kris Versteeg, the Maple Leafs added another top six forward but most importantly kept Tomas Kaberle, who is their best trade asset. Burke will wait for the right offer and if he can move Kaberle for another top six forward they will be in great position up front and on the blue line.

However, Burke wouldn't finish there.

Believe it or not Burke wants another defenseman.

I have heard that he has interest in Dan Hamhuis, Paul Martin and Anton Volchenkov. If he signs one of them, they will have nine NHL-ready defensemen and a top seven of Phaneuf, Schenn, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Kaberle, Gunnarsson and one of the three just mentioned. As well as Jeff Finger, and Keith Aulie. I know you Leaf fans don't think that much of Finger, but he is more then capable of playing on the third defensive pairing.

Goalies

Burke has said he is happy with his goaltending situation and will not make any moves there. The Maple Leafs will go with "the Monster" and "Giggy" between the pipes this year.

Roster outlook

Let's say the Maple Leafs add the forwards I suggested from free agency and one of the three D—this is what their roster will look like without trading for Marc Savard (Kaberle not included) or moving Tomas Kaberle for another top six forward.

Forwards

Kulemin—Bozak—Kessel

Versteeg—Lombardi—Armstrong

Caputi—Kadri—Sjostrom

Brown—Grabovski—Orr

Scratches: Irwin, Hanson, Primeau

Defense

Kaberle—Phaneuf

Hamhuis/Martin/Volchenkov—Schenn

Komisarek—Gunnarsson/Beauchemin

Scratches: Beauchemin/Gunnarsson

Goalies

Gustavsson and Giguere (who will likely share time)

This concludes my in-depth look at the Maple Leafs and what they may look like come October.

Feel free to post your thoughts and comments as they are more then welcome.

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