“Here it is, the groove, slightly trans…formed. Just a bit of a break from the norm…”
Nostalgic, isn’t it? Next May will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the timeless single that still gets airplay on the radio. Of course, I’m referring to “Summertime,” the g-funk-inspired melody from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Next summer may be a break from the norm.
The free agency class of 2016 has the potential to be one of the hottest periods in recent NHL history. There are superstars, stars, good players, and guys that can give teams on the brink of contention the right piece to flourish among pending unrestricted and restricted free agents. Keep in mind that these players can sign an extension with their respective teams before 2016 (Brent Seabrook signed an eight-year extension with Chicago in September).
With two playoff appearances in the last eleven seasons, Leafs fans are yearning for a break from the norm (of futility). Two general managers and coaches later (yes, I’m counting Horachek), the Buds are looking to start from scratch. Brendan Shanahan and newly hired Lou Lamoriello lead the front office and coach Mike Babcock will hopefully have this team in playoff contention by 2017 (no pressure, of course). Regardless, expectations aren’t (that) high for the team this season.
That does not mean that we can’t look ahead. The Leafs have quite a few players coming off the books after this season, thereby opening cap space to sign a major free agent or two, potentially. The Leafs will have a bevy of draft picks in 2016, and if they land some solid free agents, this team can be a whole lot better a whole lot quicker.
Two words for you: Steven Stamkos. One more word for you: superstar. Arguably the league’s most exciting goal scorer, and if the Lightning are unable to get to him to re-sign, oh boy, he will probably have twenty-nine teams harassing his agent. If Toronto is somehow— by some miracle— able to land the heir to Alexander the Great, then we can assume that we will become a beacon to other free agents who have been dissuaded from signing here.
I know, the Leafs probably will not get Stamkos, but it is not inconceivable that Toronto (or a Canadian city) is a desirable destination for him. As the old adage goes, never put all of your eggs into one basket. Remember, this a fantastic free agent class.
Below are several free agents that Toronto can realistically target, in a robust free agency class of 2016:
Centres
Anze Kopitar
Standing at 6’3,” Kopitars a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Los Angeles. He is one of the league’s premier playmakers, finishing in the top ten in assists last season. In addition to that, he can play on the defensive end and has helped return the Kings to the glory days of Gretzky with perennial contention. Rumour has it that Kopitar and the team are not seeing eye-to-eye in terms of figures for his re-up, and as unlikely as it seems, perhaps he’s looking to other teams to provide him with that extra financial security. The Leafs could definitely use his two-way services. Kopitar is still in his prime, and a five or six year deal would not be too exorbitant, depending on the yearly salary.
Eric Staal
A change of scenery is always good. Look at what it did for Tyler Seguin—a player much younger than Staal and with a different style of play but someone who showed potential that seemed to hit a wall in his former team. At Staal’s age, I don’t think that he would have a breakout season in Toronto but he wasted many years in his prime in Carolina. He has been injured a lot but the time away from such a violent, physically taxing sport is sometimes a blessing as it allows the body to compete a little longer. He also has a Stanley Cup ring and a championship background is something that the Leafs need. As maligned as Staal may be, a short, frontloaded deal might not look that bad, depending on the yearly figures.
Forwards
Milan Lucic
Another player with a Stanley Cup on his resume (trend), this player was traded to the Kings in the summer in a move lauded by hockey experts, with some now regarding Los Angeles as a contender for the Cup after last year’s disappointing season. Lucic is a young player with a chip on his shoulder. That is a very dangerous combination. He should have a very productive campaign this season with Kopitar, Jeff Carter, and an inspired Kings club.
Kyle Okposo
This player was muddled in depth on a very bad Islanders team until a couple of seasons ago. John Tavares was scary good last season and Okposo showed his worth to the team as well. Okposo’s best campaign came in 2013. Last season, he was off to a promising start but he encountered some injuries. The Leafs could benefit from this young winger.
Defensemen
Dustin Byfuglien
One of the best two-way players in the league. One of the best offensive-defensemen who has been playing hard for a mediocre team for the majority of his career. By the way, he is also a Stanley Cup Champion. Byfuglien is a no-nonsense guy and leaves it all on the ice. Plus, he’s ridiculously big. Standing at 6’5”, he is no joke and would be a great enforcer for the Blue and White. His value to the Jets at this point cannot be overstated. This is one player who brings the stats and intangibles to the ice.
Keith Yandle
Another fantastic defenseman that the Leafs could use to bolster their lineup. Yandle was one of the top playmakers on Arizona and was then traded in a major deal to the Rangers last season. His defense was criticized, especially near the end of his tenure with the Coyotes, but he is still in his prime and this season is motivated to earn that new contract. He is known as a great player during the power play and can hopefully return to his glory days in 2016.
This list is obviously not exhaustive; however, it does serve as an idea of what 2016 has to offer. How realistic is it that any of these players find themselves signing a deal to play for the Buds? Only time will tell.
This season should be exciting, however the chips may fall. The rumours will start to percolate the locker rooms of teams that are struggling. Players will evade questions relating to their impending free agency.
Who’s to say that the Leafs won’t land Stamkos and another player? This is no pipe dream. Not anymore. This club is making changes to the culture. Shanny, Lou, and Babs are the architects of a capital project to revitalize the ruins of Toronto hockey.
Clubs go through periods of decline and prosperity—‘tis the nature of professional sports. The Leafs have been in a rut for decades. The Jays are booming. The Raptors are booming. Toronto is changing.
The Leafs will create a new norm. It’s coming. The spark will be lit next summer.