Leafs Loft Weekly: June 17th

Here's a recap of the weeks worth of Maple Leaf news:

Carl Gunnarsson re-signs with Maple Leafs

Can't beat this deal. Gunnarsson is a solid player for the Maple Leafs, but needs to get off to a strong start next season. Great value for a 7th rounder.

Maple Leaf forward prospect Sondre Olden to play in the CHL next season?

This could be a good development step for Olden if he's able to come in and make an immediate impact. I really liked him when I saw him at the Rookie Tournament last season, so hopefully he has a strong showing again.

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Take a look at these two links for some draft information including Maple Leaf picks in the upcoming draft:

Hockey's Future 2011 Staff Mock Draft

Maple Leafs 2011 Draft Preview

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One week from today the 2011 NHL Draft takes place in Minnesota! Should be an interesting week for information so stay tuned www.hockeysfuture.com and www.hfboards.com for updates!

Also, follow me on Twitter @JE_Iannicello

Leafs lock-up Reimer

Yesterday, the Maple Leafs signed goaltender of the future (and present) James Reimer to a 3-year deal worth 1.8 million dollars a year against the cap.

Here is what Brian Burke had to say about the deal:

"He earned the opportunity to play at the NHL level this past season and he made the most of it with his outstanding play," Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said in a statement. "He really grabbed the net and never looked back. We are confident that his talent and strong work habits will be contributing factors to our team's success next season."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=368360

My view on this is that it's a no lose situation for the Maple Leafs. Reimer has far from proven himself over a full year and that's a big reason why some see it as a 'risky' deal. But even if Reimer flops in a starters role, you have a back-up goalie making 1.8m, which isn't bad considering last year our back-ups were making over 7m (Brad Richards money!).

So I don't see a problem with this at all. Most fans don't. Some are skeptical, and that's understandable too. On a side note, boy was I wrong about him being potentially dealt last year!

My thoughts now turn to the back-up situation. I don't see how the Maple Leafs can go into next season riding two unknowns. For all of Reimer's success, he still has to establish himself more. Jonas Gustavsson has been injured and inconsistent and I don't find these two viable options for a team that needs to make the playoffs. The answer may lie in free-agency.

First, the Maple Leafs would have to move Gustavsson. Not sure who would be a target, but a team like the New Jersey Devils could potentially show some interest here. Martin Brodeur isn't going anywhere, but Johan Hedberg is a free-agent so there may be a need to fill the back-up role. They do also have recently signed NCAA free-agent Keith Kincaid and Jeff Frazee who could potentially take a back-up gig.

So if Gustavsson is moved, who could replace him? Ideally, a veteran goalie. Here's a list I would be interested in bringing in via free-agency:

Dwayne Roloson
Johan Hedberg
Jose Theodore
Ty Conklin
Alex Auld

I don't think any of these options would cost too much money, and all are capable of handling approximately 30-35 games a season.

It's not that I don't like Gustavsson, I just don't see this team having a realistic chance at winning if they go with two unproven goalies. If Reimer falters, and Gustavsson can't take hold of a number 1 spot then this team is headed for another bottom-five finish.

That's just one fans opinion.