The Toronto Maple Leafs will try another run in the regular season in just a few months. At the moment, the team is in a bit of a calm state. It’s that fun off-season space where there’s a lot to think about but not a lot that’s obvious (to the fans, at least).
But the wheels must be turning behind the scenes.
This off-season, more than others for me, I am interested in how the team’s roster will change. I have a few little wishes on my list. First, I’d like to see David Kampf return. Kampf isn’t much offensively, but he is a major closing center who can be trusted in the defensive area. I hope the team finds a way to re-sign him.
Secondly, I’d like to see Corey Perry go home to play for the Maple Leafs. He’s older now, but does he ever know how to make a better team? He will be a good addition to the team and can fit anywhere.
The team needs to re-sign Ryan O’Reilly and Ilya Samsonov
However, the two key players I really hope Maple Leafs’ new general manager Brad Treleving will want to join the fray are Ryan O’Reilly and Ilya Samsonov. I just have a feeling these guys are the keepers of the team and add intangibles that the team can use to come out on top.
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In this post, I’m going to establish why I believe these are two players that the team needs to re-sign.
The case for re-signing Ryan O’Reilly
when O’Reilly came to the Maple Leafs At the NHL trade deadline, the team brought in a player who possessed the qualities essential to playoff success. O’Reilly’s was able to up its game during the previous postseason runs. This characteristic distinguishes it from other players. He possesses not only offensive skills, but those obscure – but crucial – intangible skills any successful playoff team needs.
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He is a leader with relentless determination and drive. He simply wants to win. His presence on the ice brings confidence to the team and inspires his teammates to raise their game. Re-signing O’Reilly will help the team do what doesn’t seem to work well. This bridges the gap between regular season and playoff success.
O’Reilly brings a contrasting style and a winning attitude
O’Reilly’s playing style contrasts with a player like Mitch Marner. Marner has offensive talent and can be a strong defensive presence; However, sometimes it is neutralized by the pressure of a match. In contrast, O’Reilly thrives in high-stakes situations. He seems unfazed by the physique and intensity of the qualifiers.
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O’Reilly’s record speaks for itself. His scoring improved during the post-season, and was consistently the best performance of his career. Bringing O’Reilly back would give the Maple Leafs a player who gets how to win and has the drive and drive needed to guide his team to a championship.
Balancing basic and long-term benefits
The big question for the team is how much they will be willing to spend to bring O’Reilly back and the contract that comes with it. The team, as always, is under financial constraints. However, given the importance of the objective, there is a middle ground somewhere, between risk and reward that can secure O’Reilly’s services and preserve the core group of players.
Yes, that might be a big blow to his hat. However, his impact on the team’s overall success may be worth it in the long run. The long-term benefits of re-signing O’Reilly could outweigh the financial implications.
The bottom line is that this decision could reshape the future of the franchise and bring the Stanley Cup closer to reality.
The case for re-signing Ilya Samsonov
Samsonov’s first season with the Maple Leafs showed he was a reliable and talented goaltender. When he came onto the team, he was largely unknown and somewhat of a gambler. What fans know is that Samsonov was abandoned by the Washington Capitals because he was not considered good enough.
However, that changed with the Maple Leafs. He has shown himself to be a capable player who has learned on the job, dealt with pressure and consistently delivered strong performances. 919 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average in 42 games were the best of his young career and he showed he had the ability to keep his teams in games.
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Help make the team competitive game after game. Yes, he deserves a raise from last season’s contract. However, even with a more substantial contract, re-signing Samsonov could give the Maple Leafs a reliable, cost-effective goaltender who can watch the crease over the long haul.
Samsonov can be a cost effective choice
Although there shouldn’t be too much panic about re-signing the young Russian, the practical question is who else could give the team the same good value for money? What other comparisons are there?
The truth is, re-signing Samsonov could become a cost-effective option for the Maple Leafs. Can align well with the team’s long-term goals. Although his expected contract is around $5 million, given his connection to the team and the birth of his son in Toronto in March, the city should feel like home. I would expect him to sign a contract for about $4 million for about four years.
If so, the Maple Leafs could have a talented goaltender at a reasonable price. Given the current market, finding a comparison of Samsonov’s performance and capabilities will be difficult. Re-signing him gives the team someone the players know and love. He’s one of the men in the room.
Samsonov has growth potential and reliability
Samsonov is only 26 years old. Still growing in this position. But he has shown the ability to develop his skills further and become the kind of goaltender the Maple Leafs can count on going deeper into the post-season. Already Samsonov showed talent. During the postseason, he actually bested world class goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky in the first round.
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For someone who was a bit of a mystery starting last season, Samsonov was reliable and stable. The Fort held out several nights as the team came from behind to win crucial games. The team seems to trust him. It has had a positive effect on their performance.
bottom line
As the Maple Leafs go on to win another Stanley Cup championship, I think the team would benefit from re-signing both O’Reilly and Samsonov. They bring different things to the team, but things the team needs.
O’Reilly’s resume includes playoff prowess, work ethic, leadership, and a winning mentality. Samsonov’s resume now includes a solid first season with the team and potential for further growth.
Re-signing both players carries risks, but that’s the nature of the business. However, they both seem to bring the necessary ingredients for the Maple Leafs’ long-term success.