Toronto Maple Leafs linked to UFA defenseman Sean Walker
NHL insider David Pagnotta believes the Toronto Maple Leafs are among several teams expected to pursue Avalanche defenseman Sean Walker in free agency this summer.
The Avalanche acquired Walker in a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers that saw a coveted first-round pick go the other way. Walker was very good for the Avs in the regular season, but tallied zero points was a -5 rating through 11 playoff contests.
Still though, he is coming off arguably the best year of his career and it shows as several NHL clubs are reportedly interested in signing him. In addition to the Leafs, Pagnotta also linked the Stars, Predators, and Sharks to the unrestricted free agent.
"Walker, 29, will draw plenty of interest July 1, as teams like the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks are just four other teams expected to pursue him, in addition to the Canes."
Walker is reportedly hoping to sign a long-term deal that could see him close out his NHL career as he is already 29 years old. It is hard to imagine teams offering more than four or five years on his next deal given his age. According to public projection models, Walker is expected to land a deal with an AAV in the 4 to 5 million dollar range.
18) Sean Walker � D (UFA - $4.56M)
What a rebound year from Walker, who was traded in a deal that got PHI a 1st-round pick. Now he's looking for a longer deal on the open market that should make him at least $20M. He's going to be a reliable piece on the 2nd pairing somewhere.
Walker really rounded out his two-way game this season, potting 10 goals and 29 points as well as a +11 rating, all career highs. As such, his value has never been higher. Perfect timing for the 29-year-old to get a big payday.
Sean Walker (traded to Colorado) is a strong chance-driving defender, having the best season of his career.
Whether or not the Leafs can afford to pay Walker, especially with so many other clubs actively pursuing him, is yet to be seen. Be sure to stay tuned to see where Walker ends up on his next deal.
Source: HouseofHockey
Toronto Maple Leafs among five contenders to land UFA defenseman Sean Walker
POLL |
JUIN 5 | 588 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs linked to UFA defenseman Sean Walker Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should sign defenseman Sean Walker this summer? |
Yes | 350 | 59.5 % |
No | 238 | 40.5 % |
List of polls |
|
54 minutes ago | By Austin Kelly Team Ready to Step In and Snatch Mitch Marner from Maple Leafs, per Insider |
|
2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs May Be Forced to Pivot to Plan B in Trade Deadline Strategy, per Insider |
|
3 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving's trade strategy will ultimately depend on one key factor |
|
5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Insider Jeff Marek Leaks Failed Blockbuster Trade Involving William Nylander |
|
13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Top-5 Defensive Trade Targets For The Maple Leafs Revealed By Insider Chris Johnston |
|
16 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Former First Round Pick Officially Placed on the Trade Block, per David Pagnotta |
|
18 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Unexpected Turn of Events for Two Maple Leafs Stars Ahead of Matchup vs. the Kraken |
|
20 hours ago | By Chris Gerics The Trade Target Brad Treliving and the Leafs Must Avoid at All Costs |
Previously on HockeyPatrol