The Leafs Trade for a Goalie
You have to feel for Jonathan Bernier. The much-maligned Leafs netminder has lost the crease before training camp even starts. Toronto had an extra first round pick thanks to the Kessel trade (number 30 overall), and the Ducks wanted a first rounder for Frederik Andersen, so it was a match made it heaven. The trade was contingent on Andersen signing a new contract, which he promptly did, five years for a total of $25 million. [In Goal], [OC Register]
Andersen has had his good moments, and his not so good moments (behind a solid Ducks defence). The Leafs believe he’s their answer in goal. I admire their aggressiveness. They didn’t wait around to see what the market was, they just went out and got what they wanted. I don’t know if Andersen will be a legitimate number one, but he’s got five years to prove himself. Toronto isn’t the easiest place to do that, but we’ll see what happens. [TSN], [The Hockey Guys]
A few teams are surprised at the money Andersen got ($5 M per year) but if he’s what the Leafs think he is, should be reasonable in long run
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 20, 2016
In Other News…
If the Flames want Marc-Andre Fleury, it’s going to cost them a first rounder. [Calgary Sun]
The Sabres have acquired the rights to coveted prospect Jimmy Vesey, whose agent says he still plans to hit free agency. [NBC Sports]
Buffalo will also push hard to sign Steven Stamkos. [Todays Slapshot]
Stamkos should stay with the Lightning because the taxes are better in Tampa. The team is also a Cup contender, but whatever the taxes! [Tampa Bay Times]
The Rangers gave up a lot for Keith Yandle. It was a trade that Cup contenders make all the time. Unfortunately, they didn’t win, they couldn’t re-sign Yandle, and they don’t look contenders anymore. [Full Tilt NYR], [Blueshirt Banter]
The only Islander worth Taylor Hall is John Tavares, but the Oilers don’t need a centerman, so I’m guessing the deal would have to include more than just Travis Hamonic. (Seriously, there is a only a handful of defencemen who would be a equitable return for Hall. None of them play in Brooklyn). [Edmonton Journal], [Beer League Heroes]
By the way, trade rumors are going to fly this time of year, most of which aren’t true. Be cautious on Twitter. [Pension Plan Puppets]
And finally, the Sharks plan to stay the course in hopes of making another run. [Yahoo]