GM Brian Burke will have a few decisions to make approaching Friday's free agent "frenzy". Qualifying offers have been made to restricted free agent's; MacArthur, Schenn and Bozak before the July 1st deadline. This leaves Burke with ample cap space to successfully pull off either a trade or free agent signing to fill the void for a top line centre.
We all know the Leafs will be in the running for 31 year old Brad Richards but it is unlikely that Burke will want to sign him to a ridiculous 8-10 year contract. The Leafs and Rangers are set to invest around $6.5 million a year for the star centre but other teams are sure to bid higher.
Stamkos may be the most intriguing story of this year's free agent class as it is unclear if the Tampa will be his home next year. The Lightning have small market money and want Stamkos to take a pay cut... usually when players take pay cuts, the team uses the excess money on other players to build around the star player. The Lightning won't be at the salary cup maximum for a while... Leading to rumours of other teams looking to sign the restricted free agent to an offer sheet.
Doubt Burke will stoop to Kevin Lowe's level after the whole Penner situation..."gutless"
But would love for the Leafs to drop an offer sheet on Stamkos...
