Leafs linked to David Legwand

It feels like David Legwand’s name hasn’t exactly been at the front of free agency rumors, but I guess it was only a matter of time before the former Wings and Preds’ center was linked to the Leafs. According to Dreger the Leafs have put forth an offer to Legwand and are one of a few teams waiting on him to make a decision.

This Dreger segment apparently aired before the Leafs signed Finnish centre Kontiola this morning, so I’m not sure how that affects their interest in Legwand. If they do go ahead and manage to land Legwand, it could signal a bigger shake-up down the middle, as the Leafs already carry four centers including Holland.

Legwand turns 34 this summer, and with that price tag around 4 million, I’m nervous about how Nonis may handle this. It’s a big hit but I could live with it on a one or two year contract. If, as Dreger points out, the Leafs are trying to get that cap hit down, they could be paying him until he’s 38 and that’s obviously no good.

Legwand put up 51 points this past season, with a Corsi-for percentage of 49.3%. Usage chart for his 62 games with the Preds, via Extra Skater, below.