$1M or less, if it's any more, Leafs simply can't pull it off.

100% Agree. But more so is he coming for league min like Spezza? Or is he coming for that $1M. Doesn't seem like a big difference but every penny counts right now.

I'm thinking 1 mil exactly.

Really hope he signs, and for less than 1 mil.

Hopefully league min to make things a bit easier. I think I saw the guy has over $100M in career earnings, so can't see the $300K meaning too much to him.

god that would be amazing. league min or 1M, just to sway him to come out of San Jose. If Dubas swindles him to league min that's an absolute home run.

having a depth guy like jumbo lying around to throw into the lineup on back to backs is ridiculously good. Either that or he's a permanent 4C, where he's pretty damn good. Also a net front powerplay option. Don't forget, even though he's slow af, he's still an elite passer

Is this really the guy you want. Maybe a good 2 way checking center.

In a world where there will more than likely be a big taxi squad of players, absolutely this is a guy I want.

I suppose if you have the practice squad a few vets hanging around is a good idea

I'm not positive he's a huge improvement over what's already on the roster for the regular season. But I'd imagine a few players find extra gears once the playoffs roll around to "win one for Joe", and I could see a few of the vets (including Joe) find a bit of a fountain of youth.

But, that's probably seeing things through blue and white glasses.

Edit: I've also heard Thornton is a great teammate, but doesn't hold back, so could be good for some of the youth in the room. Apparently doesn't hesitate to call guys out if they're not bringing their A game.

Exactly. Also with a potential increase in back to backs, having a guy like Joe who can play sparingly and help be a bit of a PP specialist is also nice.

Maybe the medical team steps in and limits some of the vets to 60ish games each - that could keep a Barabanov type in the lineup for most of the season.

Is official!