Toronto Targets Free Agents; Guerin
By Jay Shearin

Toronto Sun
July 7th, 2004


$64,199,321.


Quite a bit of players are going to recognize that number in just a few short months. The above number isn't just the available funds for Toronto's free agent spending spree, it's money in the bank for a few select stars that GM Josh Howell has been very vocal about.


Bill Guerin, for instance. Guerin played in 83 games this season split between Anaheim and New Jersey. Currently, his rights belong to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The 32-year-old left winger makes $4.25 million dollars. This season, Guerin has scored 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points. He appears due for a significant raise, and his status as an unrestricted free agent this year will test the bank of the Mighty Ducks organization. Last season, Guerin had an injury shortened season in which he only played in 34 games. Despite this low total, he still managed to net 18 goals. At that rate, he would have easily been a 40 goal scorer with those stats pro-rated to 82 games.


"We're certainly interested in Bill Guerin." says Howell. "He's a great contributer on and off the ice and his value is fairly reasonable for what he brings to the table. Guerin has yet to have a breakout season in the CTCHL, but that would likely change in Toronto when he is given 1st line icetime and would be the undisputed star of this franchise. We're not going to contact him too soon, as we're afraid of tampering, but as soon as we're able we're going to be talking heavily about the possiblity of Guerin playing for the Leafs".


Yet Guerin is just the first on a long list of players that GM Howell has had his eye on. Toronto has been devoid of a superstar caliber player since Keith Tkachuk and Peter Bondra left town. Howell seems intent upon the idea of bringing an end to the days of the faceless Maple Leafs.

Yeah... should be a great offseason. I think, finally, after not spending money on big free agents in the past, this is the year I break out the wallet and get some first liners. Guerin would look good in Red n Blue as well.

Sorry guys. Anaheim has TONS of cash, and we are doing EVERYTHING in our power to sign him!!!

I'm even more sorry, because I need to stack up a bit more. haha. ;)

Guerin is also used to the Yellow and Black colours... it's fate.