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Fletcher: Leafs won't just sit back and watch TheStar.com - Sports - Fletcher: Leafs won't just sit back and watch

Team will actively pursue free agents, but only those under 30

June 26, 2008

Kevin McGran
SPORTS REPORTER

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."

Leafs with 20 million to spend?
League raises ceiling on salaries to $56.7 million

June 27, 2008

By the end of this weekend, the Toronto Maple Leafs could have as much as $20.4 million room left to spend if the team's roster cleanup continues and the NHL's new salary cap is factored in.

Toronto's roster makeover ramped up Wednesday with a buyout on Darcy Tucker, and waiver wires on Kyle Wellwood and Andrew Raycroft.

The Leafs had committed $41.7 million to 15 players and two goalies for next season, which left them $11.4 million in cap space under guidelines from last season. But Tucker's extrication adds $1 million to that figure, while Raycroft's buyout could add $2 million.

"We'll make a decision (on Raycroft) in the next 48 hours," Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher said.

Fletcher has nixed a buyout of the remaining three years on Bryan McCabe's contract (two-thirds of $14.45 million). Toronto, though, is also attempting to trade McCabe, who has a no-movement clause.

The NHL's salary cap rose for a fourth consecutive season, the league announced yesterday, with a ceiling of $56.7 million, up $6.4 million.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens should know soon if they'll be able to sign Mats Sundin.

``I'm going to talk to Mats (today), and then Bob (Montreal GM Gainey) will talk to him again. ... We realize that the window of discussion is closing,'' Sundin's agent J.P. Barry said. The Leafs traded exclusive negotiating rights for Sundin to the Habs, but only until the free-agent deadline.

From Mark Zwolinski, Star wires

Oh I don't think trying to tank is necessary. We will be struggling to stay out of last place. Look at Washington and Pittsburgh even after they brought in the best two players in a generation in their first year.

Toronto needs top 5 draft picks for about three more years. Which is doable. The 27 to 29 year old unrestricted free agents are perfect. Fletcher is no fool. He has abandoned his old "draft smaft" attitude of the pre-cap days.

He isn't nicknamed the silver fox for nothing. The sad part - he is only a 1 year guy.
I am hoping Burke comes in next year.