BertCorbeau
F*ck cancer - RIP Fugu and Buffaloed
The hard part is the replacement player .. That's the big risk, since the UFA market is pretty thin and banking on the trade market (especially given what trade value is out there) is really tough to do. Especially since the Leafs' are trying to win now.
And at this point, the Jones extension really hurt the Leafs' ability to get Rielly on a bargain. Had that deal not occurred, it would have been easier to negotiate an extension after July 28th (when Rielly can sign). They could have started discussions earlier but the Jones deal would have changed that conversation.
Now they're at a point where you have to determine how this season will affect Rielly's UFA value. Does his value stay the same, increase, or decrease in the next several months? If the Leafs look to sign now, it appears they could be signing him while the market is high.
And at this point, the Jones extension really hurt the Leafs' ability to get Rielly on a bargain. Had that deal not occurred, it would have been easier to negotiate an extension after July 28th (when Rielly can sign). They could have started discussions earlier but the Jones deal would have changed that conversation.
Now they're at a point where you have to determine how this season will affect Rielly's UFA value. Does his value stay the same, increase, or decrease in the next several months? If the Leafs look to sign now, it appears they could be signing him while the market is high.