Maple Leafs' Goalie Dilemma: A Trade on the Horizon?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a bit of a goalie conundrum. With four netminders signed for the next few seasons, something’s got to give. Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby are all locked into one-way deals for next year, while Artur Akhtyamov just inked a three-year contract that turns into a one-way deal after next season.
Carrying three goalies isn't exactly ideal, and the Leafs certainly don’t want to risk losing one of these talents to waivers for nothing. The free-agent goalie market is headlined by Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner, but there’s a good chance they’ll re-sign with their current teams.
This leaves Leafs GM Brad Treliving in a position to play the waiting game. As teams start looking for reliable goaltending, Stolarz or Woll could become hot commodities.
Stolarz’s new four-year, $15 million contract, which includes a 16-team no-trade list, kicks in on July 1st.
Blue Jackets' Strategic Patience with Contracts and Coaching
Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets have been on a roll since switching up their coaching staff, replacing Dean Evason with Rick Bowness. However, Bowness is only signed through the end of the season, and GM Don Waddell is sticking to the plan of waiting until the offseason to discuss any future deals.
Waddell has also put contract talks with key pending unrestricted free agents Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Erik Gudbranson on hold until the season wraps up. During the Olympic break, players inquired about their futures, but Waddell assured them discussions would resume post-season.
The Blue Jackets are also in the hunt for some college free agents. While Waddell isn’t naming names, he’s made it clear they’ve been actively pursuing these prospects since the start of the season. It’ll be interesting to see how these moves unfold as the offseason approaches.
Stay tuned for more developments as these stories evolve.