Leafs' Moore a lock to be traded

Leafs' Moore a lock to be traded

http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/595550

It is almost certain that tonight's game against New Jersey will be Dominic Moore's last as a Maple Leaf.

Despite the "hometown discount" offered by Moore, the two sides remain at an impasse in contract negotiations and there was no hint last night that a resolution was possible.

With the 28-year-old Moore destined for unrestricted free agency this summer, much like Nik Antropov, the betting is that Leafs general manager Brian Burke will move him before tomorrow afternoon's NHL trade deadline. Speculation is that the Leafs have already been offered a second-round draft pick for the speedy centre.

Burke, though, was still unwilling to completely close the door on Moore's future with the Leafs.

"It's still too early to say," the GM said last night.

However, it's difficult to believe Moore will sign in Toronto, even though both parties would like that to happen. It is believed the two sides remain about $1 million (all figures U.S.) apart per season, a gap that is just too wide to be bridged.

Moore, based on his breakout season with the Leafs, is thought to be looking for roughly triple the $900,000 he earns this season with a desired two-year deal in the $5 million range. While that seems steep, there are those who believe Moore could command more than $3 million a season on the open market this summer.

It is thought the Leafs would happily keep Moore if he would agree to a three-year pact at about $4.5 million, a deal that would average about $1.5 million per season.

"The way it stands, we went back to them with an offer that we thought was well below what we guessed we'd be looking at on the open market and that would be in an effort to show that I'd love to remain a Leaf and I'd love to work with coach (Ron) Wilson in the future," Moore said yesterday.

When asked if he'd term his offer a "hometown discount," Moore agreed.

"You can describe it as that," he said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and I've said all along how much I've enjoyed, and take pride in, playing for Toronto. So that's something I'm prepared to do, offer a hometown discount."

It's a curious case because it is possible to understand the argument on both sides.

Moore has blossomed in his hometown and won fans over with his admirable work ethic and dedication, not to mention some unexpected offensive flair that has him fourth in team scoring with 41 points. He has shown he can be counted on to produce as a top-line forward and his unselfish play is evident in the renaissance of linemate Jason Blake.

The Leafs, though, might argue that he is a third-line pivot at best, who only got a chance to put up some numbers because the team is in a down cycle as it reloads. Moore, they might say, will not get the same offensive opportunities here once the team is restocked with talent or on another, deeper NHL club. It would also be difficult, perhaps even foolhardy, to commit that money to a third-line player with the salary cap expected to drop for the 2010-11 season.

"Any player that's succeeded has been given an opportunity, so there's luck involved but they have to be ready for that opportunity as well," counters Moore.

While Antropov and Moore seemed destined to depart, other rumours swirl around the Leafs. Burke dismissed a report that suggested Boston would send its first overall pick from last June, 6-foot-5 forward Joe Colborne, a first-round pick from this June and a third-round pick to Toronto for Tomas Kaberle.

The GM also told AM 640 he had been offered a player and a pick for two players and said he was "chewing" on the idea. That led to speculation Columbus has offered goaltender Pascal Leclaire to Toronto for Antropov and Anton Stralman.

Burke also said he'd been offered a late second-round pick for defenceman Ian White but turned it down.

Sorry but moore is looking for WAY TO MUCH MONEY.. he is barely and I mean barely a 2nd line forward. I think 3 million is way too much for him. I personally think he needs to prove himself a little more before he gets that kind of money, and that producing has to hit the stat sheet.

oh ya man he was wanting 3mill ... Leafs offered 1.5... he came back and lower to 2.3... Leafs offered 1.5 again hahah.... but ya hes nothing more then a 3rd line center..... I LOVE HIS HUSSLE and he goes into the corners but no way hes top 6 money thats for sure... also he had what like 18 points as a career high before this year!!! no way he gets more then 2mill