Quoting: palhal
Oh, I agree Carlson would be the best UFA signing the Leafs could make. But he's a New England/Jersey boy. Flyers. Caps. Isles, Devils have the inside track I'm sure. Just don't think the Leafs have realistic shot. And besides Carlson there aren't real any UFA Dmen that are available this year that are much better what the Leafs have. So, maybe the best play is make sure you have money next year when more UFAs are available. and you know what your own cap situation. It's the same at centre. Beside Tavares and Statsny there really aren't any really good ones available, That's why I think maybe the Leafs go all in in 2018/19 and see if Nylander can be a good NHL centre.
Gardiner, I know. what he is. He might be Leaf next year, but not any longer than that .
Well, if you're right about Carlson situation (and you're probably is), I hope he signs with Devils, cause the other divisional rivals I don't like at all. Specially Capitals and Flyers, of course. In fact, I'd hate to see him as a Flyer. Hopefully he won't be one.
As for Leafs decision to pull the thrigger or not, you're point makes a lot of sense. For a moment I was one of the guys that thought Leafs should go all in for Tavares. But right now, I don't think it'd be a smart move from Toronto for the reasons that u said. Wait to pull the thrigger after next season is the right decision to make. Specially when you look to the possible d-men UFA. Doughty, E. Karlsson, OEL, Ryan Ellis, McDonagh...wow!!! Just to mention the d-men.
We can also talk about Rinne, Bobrovksy...Seguin, Panarin, Couture, Duchene, Pavelski, Pacioretty...really, that FA will be one of the most exciting in many years. Even if some of those guys re-sign with their teams.
Leafs and any other team one step away to be considered a top contender must wait for 2019 FA.