Just yesterday we profiled the Toronto Maple Leafs free agent situation, and our Brian La Rose wrote this in regards to pending UFA Kyle Clifford:
There’s mutual interest in a new contract but it’s worth noting that Los Angeles paid down half of his $1.6MM price tag in the move. If Clifford wants a similar contract – and he should be able to get that even in a depressed market – he will almost certainly price himself out of the range that the Maple Leafs can afford to pay.
The suggestion that Clifford will be a bit too pricey for the Maple Leafs has been confirmed today, as his agent told Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun that Clifford will test the open market. Not only will the 29-year-old forward be looking for more than the Maple Leafs can likely pay a fourth-line forward (that is, the league minimum), but his re-signing was also tied to a draft pick condition from his trade in February. Had the Maple Leafs re-signed Clifford, the 2021 third-round pick they surrendered in the trade with the Los Angeles Kings would be upgraded to a 2021 second-round selection.
It’s easy to see Clifford as just a forgettable depth forward after the Maple Leafs used him so sparingly, but it’s also important to remember that he has two Stanley Cup championships with the Kings and actually scored 11 goals in 2018-19 despite averaging just over ten minutes of ice time a night. The physical forward can skate well enough to keep up with today’s game and has actually helped drive strong possession numbers at times.
While he won’t be jumping into any team’s top-six next season, it makes sense that Clifford and his representatives want to test the open market to see what kind of contract he can secure. Coming off a five-year $8MM deal with the Kings, it will be interesting to see if he can land close to that $1.6MM AAV on his next deal.
For the Maple Leafs, letting Clifford reach free agency always seemed like the likely outcome because of the pick condition, but the team also has some other players pushing for roster spots. Top prospect Nicholas Robertson came in and showed off some of his skill in the postseason, while older forwards like Alexander Barabanov, Egor Korshkov, and Adam Brooks will all be in the mix for NHL roster spots. There’s also free agent Jason Spezza, who has indicated his desire to return to the team next season and newcomer Evan Rodrigues who is a restricted free agent but could work out a deal with the team as a bottom-six option.
Just the kind of guy the Leafs need to keep for grit, and he’s already got one foot out of the door, thanks to cap cannibals…
And him being unrealistic. Rumours earlier were he was seeking 2 million per similar to a Matt Martin contract. That just isn’t realistic for any 4th liner on a cap team. Put that with how the leafs would also have to change the 3rd to a 2nd makes Clifford leaving a no brainer for Dubas and Co.
Mac I agree his play style is what the Leafs need more of but it’s also possible to find at less than $1.5 million a season.
I think Simmonds would bring a lot of the same elements as Clifford, and with more of a potential for offensive output. Depending on his contract demands, he might be a good bottom 6 filler for the Leafs.
He’s one guy that the New York rangers desperately need
Agreed,but the Rangers are also in cap trouble.
Reports out of Philadelphia is that AV wants Fast. Also look for JD to trade TDA at the draft and Strome may be trade at the draft to