Jeff Marek Drops Toronto Maple Leafs Free Agency Bombshell
Photo credit: MSN
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to need to make a splash in free agency and according to Jeff Marek, the team has one major target in mind right now.
Jeff Marek is someone who has definitely been well-connected around the NHL over the years and he is certainly going to be tapped into free agency.
Overall, the Maple Leafs are one of those teams that fans will have their eyes on and for a whole host of reasons.
One of those reasons will be Mitch Marner who is likely going to test free agency and perhaps even move on from the team if he finds a better offer elsewhere.
Jeff Marek on the Toronto Maple Leafs' plans
During a recent media appearance, Marek spoke about the Marner situation and how there is one guy the Leafs are looking at as a potential replacement.
That guy is none other than Sam Bennett who has been a stud for the Florida Panthers over the last few years.
The term I was told about Sam Bennett is that it's a cattle auction. He's the type of player; whenever I watch a junior hockey or even a minor youth hockey, I go 'where are all the bad skaters?' Everybody can skate, everybody can shoot.
Coaches want to go 'What else do you do for me?' Who has the intangibles, who brings the snarl. His nickname [Bennett] is Grouchy or Grumpy or something...he's a wonderful, miserable guy to be around.
Generally, teams don't like to let go of those players. Bill Zito's first move was to bring in Patric Hornqvist; another miserable, not fun player to go up against and decided 'I need to get more of these guys.'
But it will be a cattle auction for him, and I do believe the Maple Leafs will be right there in the mix. But much like Mitch Marner, he's represented by Darren Ferris, and he's known for taking guys to market.
But no doubt, I think the Maple Leafs will be right there with an offer.
Coaches want to go 'What else do you do for me?' Who has the intangibles, who brings the snarl. His nickname [Bennett] is Grouchy or Grumpy or something...he's a wonderful, miserable guy to be around.
Generally, teams don't like to let go of those players. Bill Zito's first move was to bring in Patric Hornqvist; another miserable, not fun player to go up against and decided 'I need to get more of these guys.'
But it will be a cattle auction for him, and I do believe the Maple Leafs will be right there in the mix. But much like Mitch Marner, he's represented by Darren Ferris, and he's known for taking guys to market.
But no doubt, I think the Maple Leafs will be right there with an offer.
At 20 goals and 42 points this season, Bennett cannot replace Marner's production.
However, he is a gritty guy who has won a Stanley Cup and is extremely difficult to play against, as evidence by his performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Only time will tell what lies ahead for the Toronto Maple Leafs during this time of uncertainty.
All we do know is that the fans are hoping for some incredible news, one way or another.
| POLL | ||
MARS 13 | 207 ANSWERS Jeff Marek Drops Toronto Maple Leafs Free Agency Bombshell Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will pick up Sam Bennett in free agency? | ||
| YES | 119 | 57.5 % |
| NO | 88 | 42.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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