When it comes to a free agent signing, there are many positives when it comes to adding value to the team. In a hard cap league, when money comes in, it must come out. As a result, if the Leafs are able to sign Alex Pietrangelo to a contract, the cost to acquiring his services is free. While at the same time, the cost to remove salary in trades brings back value in a different form (prospects, picks, etc). Do the math and the overall value of the team goes up with every free agent signing (if you do everything right).
Spending the money if Pietrangelo doesn’t sign with the Leafs
