Roberts And Nieuwendyk Head For The Sun

At noon today, the new world NHL free agent marketplace opened up for the first time under the new collective bargaining agreement and making the first splash in this market was the Florida Panthers. The Panthers inked a pair of ex-Leafs, Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts, to a pair of two year deals with financial terms undisclosed at this point. With those signings, the Panthers became the first team to sign free agents under the new economic landscape dictated by the CBA.

Roberts and Nieuwendyk had been making it clear they wished to finish off their careers as teammates but the Maple Leafs were unprepared to commit financially to the pair of aging veterans. There had been rumors that the Leafs had offered a pair of one year deals that had been rejected likely because Roberts and Nieuwendyk were seeking the security of two year deals as they are nearing the end of their careers.

Another Leaf could be on his way out of Toronto as well in a matter of days. Tough guy Tie Domi has been becoming remarkably friendly with Penguins superstar / owner / captain etc Mario Lemieux in recent weeks. With Domi reportedly asking for more than the Leafs are willing to give him, it would not be a surprise if Domi decided to go and stick himself right in the middle of all the hype and anticipation of the arrival of Sidney Crosby.