Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher promised yesterday to be busy July 1 in pursuing free agents. Fletcher said he's going after younger players, eyeing unrestricted free agents under 30, as he tries to remake the team into a contender.
"We're not going to be in the bidding for older players, anybody 31, 32, that age bracket," said Fletcher. "We're more interested in free agents, 27, 28, 29, who legitimately - if we have a team that can compete three years from now - will still be a big part of it."
Fletcher didn't give away any names, but there are a few unrestricted free agents who fit his description. Among those:
Left winger Ryan Malone, 28, who had a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Agitator Sean Avery, 28, of the New York Rangers, a Pickering native who claims to hate the Leafs.
Left winger Antti Miettinen, 27, a solid performer for the Dallas Stars.
Defenceman Brian Campbell, 29, a puck-moving defenceman of the San Jose Sharks who is sure to command top dollar.
Defenceman Brad Stuart, 28, an under-the-radar performer for the Detroit Red Wings, until they won the Stanley Cup.
More than a few restricted free agents fit the bill, too, like Philadelphia's Jeff Carter. But Fletcher said it would cost the Leafs too much in terms of compensatory draft picks to pursue the solid crop of restricted free agents.
"In our situation, to go for the top ones (RFAs) doesn't make any sense at all," said Fletcher. "We're not in a position to give up three and four first-round draft picks. We're building for the future, and we can't afford that luxury."
The Toronto Star
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