There is no doubt in anybodys mind that this off season will hold record numbers in terms of contract salaries. With big names such as Joe Sakic, Rob Blake and John LeClair up for grabs, you can expect a bidding war between the few teams that will actually be able to afford them. Guess what, the Leafs are one of these few teams but as many people know, that doesn't really matter. I don't expect the Leafs to make any huge pushes to get at these free agents even though they have the money to do it. If one signing does go down though, it would most likely be Rob Blake. Steve Stavro, the big man up stairs for the Leafs has said that this off season the Leafs will be going "full flight" into the free agent market. BUT, there is a catch for us Leafs fans. Stavro also stated that it is all in Pat Quinn's hands, and we all know how he likes to do things. I see almost no possibility of the Leafs getting Joe Sakic, but boy would I love to be proven wrong. The Leafs will however offer Mats Sundin a new contract, which will be pretty high in cost. It would most likely be a long term deal ranging anywhere from 8 - 10 million dollars per season. Also, Curtis Joseph will probably be offered a long term deal as well. Back to the topic of high salaries, Below is just how high I think the salaries will go.
Joe Sakic - $12.5 million - Does it seem high? Well, of course it is. Sakic will probably be this years MVP winner, which would be just the way to get the money that he would love. If teams like the New York Rangers weren't interested, it would probably be higher but as we all know the Rangers are always right there for the expensive players because of their financial capabilities. Colorado will no doubt be looking to re-sign their captain, but with so many other signings that need to be done, it might not happen, although they may make signing Sakic their number one priority. As for the Leafs making a bid for Sakic, I can see that happening but probably nowhere near what the Rangers would give for him.
Rob Blake - $10 million - With last years MVP winning Chris Pronger getting a contract similar to these numbers, Rob Blake will be looking for a contract that resembles Prongers. This is the reason why L.A had to dish him off in a trade to the Avalanche. If the Leafs do go for a big ticket free agent, Blake would almost definitly be the one. The Rangers and other money holes such as Dallas may stand in the way of the Leafs though. I would have to say there's about a 40% chance of the Leafs picking up Blake in the off season.
John LeClair - $8 million - Although injuries have plagued this star forward this year, teams still know how much of an asset LeClair could be to any team. He has already said that he wants to test the free agent market, meaning that Philly may not be able to re-sign their most skilled forward. There is a small chance that the Leafs could go for LeClair if they picked up Lindros from the Flyers, which is a very doubtfull transaction indeed. There is a small chance though, so don't count it out just yet.
In conclusion, the NHL's smaller market teams are going to have an even harder time winning hockey games then they already are. They will have to test their luck with young prospects, but if they ever do turn into superstars, they will probably be lost to free agency or a trade would be forced. Hockey will soon be the MLB. Next thing you know you read the headline "Joe Sakic Signs 10 year $252 Million Dollar Deal!" in conjuction to Alex Rodriguez' monster contract signed this summer with the Texas Rangers.
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