OT: Bouwmeister files for arbritration

[kelso]

Joy Bouwmeister has been rumored as a player the Leafs would consider tendering an offer sheet to as an RFA- kind of crazy seeing as compensation would be 5 1st round picks.

From what I understand, since he is filing for arbritration, he can't be tendered an offer sheet but you can trade for him. Also, he will get a 1 year deal from the process, so whoever trades for him will probably have to agree to an extention and won't have to give up major salary the other way since he doesn't earn big dollars right now.

I think he should be a target for Cliff. He's played all 82 games for the last 3 seasons, hes a Team Canada guy, 6'4" and 2 years ago was +23 on a Panther team that was horrible. I don't know what it would take but I'm sure Cliff has an idea.

[Crowned]

I think he's still highly regarded. He hasn't met expectations since his junior days...but he's still a good defenseman. I wouldn't give up much for him at this point, unless we acquired assets for the likes of Kubina and McCabe first.

[juucer]

This guy is an absolute stud. I don't know if many of you watch him play often, but anytime the Panthers are playing I tune in to watch Bouwmeester play. He hasn't put up the offensive production that some have expected, but given time, I assure you he will.

I honestly believe he is one of the top 5 best skaters in the league, and hands-down the best skater among defensemen (yes, including Neidermayer).

I would give up almost anything to get this guy, he would anchor Toronto's d-men for quite a long time.

Kubina + Steen + '10 1st, perhaps?

[CPT]

Yes, this is a guy we should go after at just about any cost. He's a legitimate building block for the future, unlike most of the other guys we have been bringing in.

[bryant08]

The maximum compensation is 4 1st rounders for guys above $5.8M, but the only way I'm going after him is in a trade. No way I'm giving up a shot at Tavares/Hedman plus 3 other legitimate prospects because we want Bouwmeester.

[MAS]

No one can offer him a contract offer since he filed for arbitration. However, Leafs are in trade rumours with this guy (though they're always in trade rumours). From what I've been told it wouldn't involve anyone on our end that has too much potential (i.e Pogge, Kulemin, Schenn) and not our 1st next year.

You might be wondering what on earth it could be, but considering what they got back for Jokinen... it's not that far fetched

[Merit]

i guess bryan mccabe is in the equation. I would love to see bouwmeester on toronto, even if we give up a future first, just not next year's.