Dave Bolland drawing interest from ‘at least six teams’
By Cory Buck
Dave Bolland is in for a big pay day. Whether that comes from signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs or with a different team is yet to be seen. If early reports are any indication though, it appears that the Leafs will have a tough time competing with the crowd of suitors interested in the Stanley Cup-winning center.
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Rob Longley at the Toronto Sun writes, “On Wednesday, [Bolland’s agent Anton] Thun told Sportsnet Radio that six teams had already contacted him regarding the former Blackhawk, with at least two more in the queue. By the time July 1 arrives, Bolland should have a good idea who wants him and how much the suitors are willing to spend.”
“According to Bolland’s agent, Anton Thun, it won’t be long before a quarter of the league’s GMs will have already made enquiries about one of the better centres available in this year’s unrestricted free agency cast.”
Bolland’s contract will expire on July 1. He had made $3.375 million this last year, but he is likely due for a raise that will bring his cap figure close to $5 million. That might be all right for the Leafs to pay, expect the team already shelled out massive money last summer for winger David Clarkson. Now the team runs the risk of skewing their payroll awkwardly to favor rugged, defensive forwards with limited offensive output in their history. That hardly adds up for a team that was outscored by 25 goals last season.
Much like Matt Niskanen or Anton Stralman, Bolland benefits not only from having a strong resume in the NHL, but also being one of the few unrestricted free agents available at his position. If his agent maintains a hard stance not just on the money, but on their desired term, Bolland will likely find himself in a new uniform this summer.