Can the Leafs re-sign Jake Gardiner?
The Toronto Sun: Steve Simmons reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas would like to sign Jake Gardiner.
The problem, of course, is that the salary cap gets in the way and there is still winger Mitch Marner to be signed before his other ideas can be addressed.
The only way the Leafs could sign Gardiner — I’ve been told — was by signing Marner to a bridge deal, then inking the defenceman, which would mean the likely trading away of Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson. And still that might not be doable.
The Maple Leafs have wrestled all summer with finding a way to bring Gardiner back and it’s his first choice to remain a Leaf. But the chances of him re-signing is very very slim.
Latest Edmonton Oilers rumors
Edmonton Journal: Kurt Leavins reports two UFA’s remaining that have ties to Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland and who could be useful for the Oilers: Niklas Kronwall and Thomas Vanek.Â
Jesse Puljujarvi’s value is greater in Edmonton than anywhere else. Not only is the need on right wing more acute here in Edmonton. GM Ken Holland also can’t let this franchise just walk away from another 1st Round pick for nothing. And for all that both club and player/agent have screwed up…Puljujarvi still has the raw skills to turn into an effective NHL player.
There is a fair bit of quality remaining in the UFA camp in terms of players who are still capable of filling specific roles…at least for one more season. One of those is Patrick Marleau. It has been reported that the former Shark and Leaf would be interested in signing in Edmonton.Â
