If the free agent market seems slow to you, that’s because it is. At least, that’s the perspective of new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treleving. Other than re-signing David Kampf and Pontus Holmberg, unless I miss something, Treliving hasn’t signed another free agent this offseason.
In fact, as Treliving sees it, this also applies to most teams in the NHL. There wasn’t much work out of season. Things may change in the next few days, but they probably won’t either — at least for a while.
In the short video below, Maple Leafs GM Treliving sheds some light on the situation. At the same time, he also explains the team’s cautious approach.
At the moment, market conditions and players’ prices are high
According to Treliving, one of the primary factors affecting team decision-making is the high price of free agents in the current market. He thinks prices are going up. This is one of the reasons why the Maple Leafs, like other teams in the league, are careful with their spending. It was a funny off-season. Players are even being traded for basically nothing as their teams look for a way to work off their paychecks.
However, at the same time, we are currently experiencing an environment where player salaries are escalating rapidly. Unless players are willing to sit out the season, I can’t see these prices staying that high. There is no salary cap for competing teams.
Related: Maple Leafs news and rumors: Cowan, Matthews, Nylander & Reaves
Team priorities and manage salaries and contracts
So here we are a day away from July 1, which is often called NHL Signing Day. For now, the teams keep their cards near the boxes. They carefully evaluate their potential signings to ensure they are compatible with their financial capabilities.
In the video, Treliving highlighted the importance of effectively managing a team’s salary cap. Maple leaves may be in a slightly different headspace. The team is currently involved in trying to land deals with both Auston Matthews and William Nylander. So other signatures may have to wait.
The Maple Leafs must carefully assess each player’s value and suitability for the team’s long-term plans. There are limited resources available, and Treliving must make wise decisions to maintain a competitive roster.
Treliving believes in the talent in his team
Another reason Treliving feels he can wait is because he is confident the organization has a competitive existing roster. He also seems confident in the range of possibilities. There is no doubt that the team has talented players in its roster and others in the system who they believe deserve to be developed.
If so, and the team is dedicated to building from within, I’m thrilled. It seems to me that the organization’s history is to develop players but then not trust them to take the next steps to a full-time position on an NHL roster.
If they actually bring in some prospects and include them in the lineup, some of the costs will naturally go down. Sure, adding new faces from other teams to the lineup can be fun. However, I think the Maple Leafs should start prioritizing growing their talent pool. There are a number of players I’d like to see get more minutes with the big club – like Bobby McMahon, Alex Steves and Pontus Holmberg. Matthew Kniss looks like a given.
Related: Look for maple leaves to get bigger and tougher soon
Returning to the NHL, Treliving believes it is a collegiate trend
The Maple Leafs’ approach to free signings is not unique to them this season. Other teams, Treleving notes, are also being careful with their deals. Current market conditions and increasing wage demands for players have resulted in a general slowdown in free agent signings.
Many teams besides the Maple Leafs take a wait-and-see approach. They analyze the market to explore potential options before committing significant financial resources.
bottom line
There are two reasons why the Maple Leafs are not active in the off-season free agent market. First, the prices of free agents in the current market are high. Second, the team needs to effectively manage existing contracts.
As Treliving suggests, wait a couple of days. Sooner or later, there has to be some action. That is unless players would rather sit for the league minimum of $775,000. This translates to 1.026 million Canadian dollars at today’s exchange rate.
I’m not giving anything away when I say that’s more than I make in a month writing hockey publications.
Related: Will Matthews and Nylander sign for a lower price to stay in Toronto?