Free Agency 2012

[Champ Kind]

I know that the "off-season shopping list" thing has been done to death, and the GM Thread has been speculating over what the Leafs may or may not do come July 1'st.  I wanted this thread to discuss whether through the JVR trade we're seeing Burke loosen his stance on the long-term contracts he's, at least verbally, eschewed in the past.  With 6 years left on his deal, JVR is the first Leaf under Burke's tensure to break through the 5 year max term.  For me, this fact creates optimism heading into the UFA period.

I think that Parise is a guy you blow your brains out for.  A leader, tenacious, skilled, seems to thrive in pressure situations.  I would support a 10 year deal at $7.5 - $8.0 per.  No doubt the Leafs will need to overpay to attract free agents, but Parise is the guy in my mind. 

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I have to say something about this Burke and contracts thing.

He doesn't like cap circumventing deals, that are front loaded, not necessarily long contracts. While he mostly signs deals for 5 or less years, he has stated in the past that he will go longer for the right player. We haven't seen the right player come to the Leafs yet, so we can't say that he won't do it.

I think the Richards offer was longer than 5 years, but I can't be sure. He also stated that he likes deals that are the same AAV for the whole contract more or less. I think if we had the chance to sign Parise or the equivalent, he would lock him up long term, and that would mean way more than 5 years.

He also stated that he doesn't sign cap circumventing deals, but that he would acquire one if it made his team better.

 

[Champ Kind]

Agreed BWB.  I suppose I could have been more succinct and just said that Parise is the player Burke's been waiting for.  I was encouraged by the JVR deal, though, as it was proof positive the 5 year term was a concrete parameter.

 

[Zee]

I've heard reports that Crosby and Parise are fairly tight, so much so that Crosby was spending time together with Parise's family during the finals.  Sounds like he might lure him to sign with the Penguins.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

Agreed BWB.  I suppose I could have been more succinct and just said that Parise is the player Burke's been waiting for.  I was encouraged by the JVR deal, though, as it was proof positive the 5 year term was a concrete parameter.

It wasn't just towards you, it's been said a hundred times around here. I just wanted to put out what I read, heard and believe about all that.