Two years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs, under then general manager Lou Lamoriello, signed Patrick Marleau to provide leadership to the team’s young core and to chip in the odd goal.
At the time, it was a calculated risk that Marleau would continue to defy age, and that the Leafs could sign their Big Three at such a rate that it would not matter.
Unfortunately, the Leafs failed to extend them early enough in their contracts, that by the team did sign them, they were full fledged superstars, or well on their way. Now Marleau’s contract is the single biggest obstacle between the Leafs and the ability to improve their team this summer.