Maple Leafs Targeting Another 1 Goalie and its not Andersen
The Las Vegas Review-Journal recently reported that Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley will meet with his team's front office and pro scouting staff in the coming weeks to map out their offseason strategy.
And part of that plan is expected to be a difficult decision on whether or not to keep Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who need to improve their goaltending situation, will be pleased with this plan. It prompted The Athletic's Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle to put together a list of 16 goalies who would be a good fit for Toronto in the coming seasons.
And Fleury is their first choice.
We all remember how vocal Foley was in advocating for Fleury's retention during the offseason, and how he expressed his desire for the veteran goalkeeper to finish his career in Vegas. However, trade rumours have grown louder in recent days, as a Fleury trade would allow the Golden Knights to gain some salary-cap flexibility. According to Cap Friendly, Vegas has spent $75.4 million on 18 players, with $12 million on goaltending. Fleury's annual average value is $7 million, but with a year left on his contract and a Vezina Trophy win under his belt, he might be easier to move. He and Lehner, 29, were also awarded the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals against.
The only issue is that the Golden Knights would need to retain some of Flower's salary. On top of that, the Leafs will have to be careful on what it would take to acquire Fleury's services.
But Siegel and Mirtle write this: «He and Campbell stand to be a pretty, pretty good combo next season, after which the Leafs could sort out their future in goal.
«Big questions. But definitely an intriguing option for the Leafs, who would benefit from someone with Fleury's ability and experience, even if it was only for one season.»
So, can the Leafs pull this off?
Credit: hockeyfeed
| POLL | ||
Would you go after Fleury? | ||
| Yes | 83 | 52.2 % |
| No | 76 | 47.8 % |
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