Nick Schmaltz's Contract Demands Could Force the Maple Leafs to Act Fast
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
If the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to acquire Nick Schmaltz from the Utah Mammoth, his asking price for a new deal may end up being too costly for GM Brad Treliving.
We reported recently that Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz and the team were currently far apart on contract talks, and with the veteran forward a free agent at season's end; they'd love to keep him (especially with how good he's been).
No doubt able to help a top-nine wherever he goes, it isn't going to cost teams a whole lot when it comes to his cap hit which is at only $5.85-million, though it may take a few assets to sway GM Bill Armstrong.
Utah's Schmaltz Eyeing Big Deal On Next Contract
However a new report shows that teams are going to need to expect to pay a premium for Schmaltz, and it's not because Utah's squeezing them -- but because Schmaltz wants to get paid.
According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, who spoke on the DFO Rundown on Oct. 29, mentioned that Schmaltz is likely looking for a fairly big pay raise, and that if he stays in Utah, he's going to join a slew of players attached to long-term and lucrative deals.
I think it's gonna be, if he stays in Utah, in that $7-million per year range.
However, with them far apart in talks that means he could be dealt this season either earlier on or at the trade deadline, and for a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, he might cost too much.
Nick Schmaltz May Be Too Lavish For Brad Treliving
While there's no real issues in bringing him aboard, paying him $7-million or more a season is a fair bit of money to commit to someone who is going to be 30 in a month.
If Schmaltz wants a max deal come his free agency, that's at minimum a $42-million contract, which would be the equivalent to what he's already made on his last deal, so he could shoot for even higher.
Though to be fair, you're paying for a very consistent and reliable player. Four straight 20-goal seasons on top of averaging 38.5 assists over that span and is more than solid defensively.
But for the Maple Leafs, who would like to save as much money as possible for any potential big name free agents next summer, and who have a history of overpaying for veteran talent, it may be best to stay away.
Besides, there may be someone who makes just as much money as Schmaltz, but with a much deeper connection that wants to come back home.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 4|1027 ANSWERS Nick Schmaltz's Contract Demands Could Force the Maple Leafs to Act Fast Do you think Nick Schmaltz will be too expensive for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 814 | 79.3 % |
| No | 213 | 20.7 % |
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