Reaves Frustrated, Samsonov Working His Way Back, and Corey Perry Chatter
Are or did the Maple Leafs make mistakes with these three players?
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are in an interesting spot after Ryan Reaves’ comments, we look at what to do with Ilya Samsonov, and how closely the team looked at signing Corey Perry.
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Reaves Future With Maple Leafs Is Both Certain and Uncertain
January 24, 2024 by The Old Prof
During the 2023 offseason, Ryan Reaves signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The veteran big man is known for his toughness and his gritty playing style. It’s something the Maple Leafs need. When he was signed, new Maple Leafs general manager (GM) Brad Treliving was clear that he picked up Reaves for two reasons – first, his grit and second, for his reputation in perking up the locker room.Â
While many Maple Leafs fans wondered why the team needed to sign away so much of its valuable salary-cap space, his arrival was also received well by fans who expected Reaves’ toughness and physicality to transcend the lineup. The hope was that he would add an edge that would help the team take the next step — deep into the postseason.
It’s Not Time to Give Up on Maple Leafs’ Ilya Samsonov Yet
January 24, 2024 by The Old Prof
Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov, who had a stellar season in 2022-23, is treading water in Toronto. Last season, he played 42 games, had two shutouts, and put up a GAA of 2.33, with a save percentage of .919.Â
Samsonov played so poorly that he was waived and no one picked him up. He finally returned this week to win his first game since Dec. 9. Is he back for good? Who knows?
Maple Leafs Explored Perry Add, Opted Out With Good Reason
January 23, 2024 by Jim Parsons
In a recent episode of the Kyper & Bourne Show on Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos shared insights into Corey Perry‘s signing with the Edmonton Oilers, shedding light on the lack of widespread interest in the veteran forward. Among the teams who showed early interest prior to the signing was the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was also confirmed by Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.
From Maple Leafs to Hurricanes: Michael Bunting Has Landed Well
January 23, 2024 by The Old Prof
For Michael Bunting, it was a dream come true to come home to play with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. When he became a free agent in the summer of 2021, he moved away from the Arizona desert, took less money than he could have received elsewhere, and signed a two-year contract to play in Canada….