Paul posted an article from Steve Simmons on the site today talking about Tomas Vokoun. Simmons writes that the Maple Leafs were contacted by Vokoun’s agent prior to last season and at that time he was told that they weren’t interested. Simmons suggests that the Leafs will be interested in him this summer and he could be the answer to their problems in goal. We know that Vokoun will not be signing with the KHL, as his goal is to be a starter in the NHL. I’m just not sure if the Leafs can rely on the soon to be 36 year old. Vokoun posted good numbers with the Caps last season, but only managed to play in 48 games and was absent from the playoffs with what was described as a severe groin tear. That type of injury does not bode well for an aging net minder.

If the Maple Leafs are going to target someone to be the starter next year ahead of Reimer, I think they need to get a little more creative as the answer is not available in unrestricted free agency. The trade route is the only way to go and if Luongo is out of the picture that does not leave many more options available. There has been talk of Tim Thomas, and although I think he would be a good option, I don’t think Boston is in a hurry to get rid of their Conn Smythe winning goalie just yet.

If the Leafs are going to dive into the trade market for a goalie I think they should target Jaroslav Halak. Halak has spent two seasons with the St. Louis Blues after being acquired in a trade from Montreal for Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. This past season, Halak shared goaltending duties with Brian Elliott. Elliott enjoyed a breakout season with the Blues and was rewarded with a two year contract extension. With prospect Jake Allen developing nicely in the AHL, I wonder whether the Blues would be willing to part with Halak and his $3.75M cap hit to try and add to their club. They have three key RFA’s to sign this summer: TJ Oshie, David Perron and Chris Stewart and some key UFA’s: Barret Jackman, Jason Arnott and Jaime Langenbrunner, among others. They might be inclined to use that money to help sign some of these players. I am unsure whether St. Louis would be willing to deal Halak, but if I was Burke I would absolutely be kicking the tires on him.