Maple Leafs Top Free Agent Target Officially Signs New NHL Contract, per Elliotte Friedman
The Toronto Maple Leafs missed out yet again on another crucial pickup for the end of season stretch as Brandon Saad is expected to sign with Vegas.
While teams are building up their rosters with blockbuster additions, and overseas options, the Toronto Maple Leafs are sitting on their hands as they continue to mull over which is the best player to bring into the team.
But their lack of aggressiveness has seemed to cost them, as they were heavily linked to free agent Brandon Saad after he cleared waivers and had his contract terminated, but according to sources; he's choosing to sign in Sin City.
The news was relayed by both Elliotte Friedman and Kevin Weekes, and it sets in motion Vegas' plan to have a very strong Stanley Cup push. It's another unfortunate turn of events for the Maple Leafs as they miss out on bolstering their lineup with some much needed forward depth.
This season, Saad has seven goals and nine assists in 43 games with the St. Louis Blues.
Toronto Maple Leafs Running Out Of Time After Brandon Saad Signing
The saga of Brad Treliving and his quest to find the right pieces for the Maple Leafs had another roadblock. With few attractive options to trade (Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, Ben Danford, Dennis Hildeby) it's apparent the team doesn't overpay for a three month stint.
Saad signing for $1.5M for the rest of the season is a bargain deal, especially considering he was $4.5M a couple of days ago. He makes less than David Kampf, and slightly more than Ryan Reaves; heck Connor Dewar makes only $400,000 les than the two-time Stanley Cup winner.
With the salary cap increasing over the next several seasons, Toronto is in a good spot regarding their future, but they need to win now. They are starved for offense all of a sudden, they still have many key pieces out with injuries, and their longest tenured player Morgan Rielly could be out the door.
Why Brad Treliving is so hesitant to make a move like signing Saad is concerning for fans, as the team was heavily linked to him as well as several other pieces that have been traded elsewhere or held onto; and much like their baseball brethren, often feel like they're always coming in second.
Brandon Saad could have helped the Maple Leafs immensely, not only with his potential as an offensive weapon but he has accomplished so much in his career and his intangibles are invaluable. Brad Treliving missed again, and he doesn't have many shots left.
