Guest Post: The benefits of Finger waiving

Bargain Hunting In The New NHL

BY ALIN MATEESCU

The Maple Leafs waived Jeff Finger Tuesday, a move that can bring both short and long term benefits to the club.

With Finger's $3.5 million cap hit gone (as well as Matt Lashoff's $0.55 million cap hit, who has also been waived), the Leafs sit at around $4.85 million under the NHL's salary cap ceiling. (All figures U.S.)

This sets up a number of possible scenarios, both with current and immediate implications.

The Leafs now have the flexibility to acquire players at bargain prices from teams desperate to shed payroll. The New Jersey Devils come to mind. They've got serious cap issues and may be nearing the point where they have to make some major roster moves.

A number of Devils players could be made available for trade and some that may be of interest to the Leafs include Jamie Langenbrunner, Travis Zajac and David Clarkson.

Back on September 26, Leafs GM Brian Burke stated that he may have to fill the center position with players from outside of the organization. But with the inspired play of Tyler Bozak and Mikhail Grabovski, and the unexpectedly strong performances of both Tim Brent and Mike Zigomanis thus far, it's quite possible the Leafs aren't shopping for centers anymore.

Still, if/when players like Langenbrunner and Zajac become available at potentially reduced rates, it's hard to believe that Burke takes a pass on the opportunity to acquire them. A solid veteran presence like Langenbrunner's would go a long way in providing the young Leafs forwards with some leadership. As for Zajac, he is a points producing center who can immediately upgrade their offense.

Another potential trading partner may be the Anaheim Ducks. Their defense core is depleted due to injuries and lack of NHL-calibre blueliners. The Ducks desperately need some competent rearguards to help them stop the bleeding and all the goals they've been letting in. With their depth on the blue line, both at the NHL and prospect level, the Leafs may be the perfect match for the Ducks.

In addition to immediate cap relief, the Leafs could potentially save $3.5 million in cap space next year if Finger is kept in the minors or dealt to another team. The under-performing defenceman comes off the books at the end of the 2011-2012 season as an unrestricted free agent.

Thus, waiving Finger gives the Leafs flexibility next year when they will have to re-sign free agents Tomas Kaberle (unrestricted), Luke Schenn (restricted), and Carl Gunnarsson (restricted). Each are expected to garner raises, with Kaberle possibly requiring the most substantial pay increase of the three.

All in all, with the demotion of Finger the Leafs have created salary cap room that can be used to invest in the team now or in the future. It remains to be seen whether Burke and company will take full advantage of the situation.

 

 

Alin Mateescu, a long-time Leafs fan, is also the founder of
RumorMeThis, a blog dedicated to NHL trade rumours and player movement.

Comments

[Leo M]

There is no way Kaberle will be getting anything remotely close to a "substantial" raise in this new Cap World! He will be lucky to get the $4.25 million he is getting now! Schenn is likely to sign a long term deal worth $3-4 million per year.

[Peter]

It was not Jeff Finger's fault the leafs signed him for so much. Fans, the media and the new management have constantly belittled him and have never given him a chance to prove himself. He would of been a top six defenceman on most teams and a top four on some.

[Scot Loucks]

Agree with Leo. No way Kaberle signs at a raise. Home town discount applies again. He could get more elsewhere, but that is not what he wants. Cheers to him.

No Peter, it is not Fingers fault. Nor is it Redden's or Souray's fault. But that is the way of the cap. As for Finger being top 4 anywhere.... Not on any playoff team that I can think of.

Cheers

[Pyramid Power]

"It remains to be seen whether Burke and company will take full advantage of the situation." I don't think it remains to be seen, it WILL be seen and Leaf Nation can book that. It's only a matter of time before Burkie, Nonis, Poulin and the gang make a deal to make this team better walking around with that much money in cap space.

I am not even going to speculate given this man's history especially last January 31st, and the shocking movement of Shake 'n Blake and Losskalol for Giggy, and then the trade for Phaneuf, Sjostrom and Aulie that same day. Stunning! Not to mention the Kessel theft. Well, we will see how the Kessel deal works out in a year or three, but right now I call it, "The Purloining of Phil Kessel by Brian Burke". Or "Brian Burke Fleeces Peter Chiarelli!" I surely hope that is how that novel will come to be known down the road when we can properly assess the Kessel deal.

[Anthony]

The team is hot right now and I can understand some saying its a bad idea to mess with team chemistry, however we are only 4 games in and I don't think anyone would have predicted this start so I do expect something to be done with that extra cap space. There is no rush, I have confidence in Burke based on everything he has done to date and when the time is right he will make a move, it feels good knowing Leafs Nation FINALLY has some management that knows what they are doing and know how to operate in this new NHL...
The leafs record will come back down to earth over the next 78 games and I see them somewhere 5-8 in the east... with lots of room to grow in the future!
GO LEAFS GO!

[K Bosley]

This one is no shocker. Everyone knew it would happen, I would think it is more to do with ability but pay surely weighed into the decision. Leafs are much better without him without doubt.
Check out my take if interested: http://5thlinecentre.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/finger-waiving/