Toronto Maple Leafs fans not exactly on board with adding an aging legend to their mix got a jolt to their systems on Wednesday, as it appears that team president and CEO Tim Leiweke had a chat with Martin Brodeur.
There’s even some photographic evidence:
If the #leafs are wooing, it isn't being done subtly. RT @hinsperger: Here's a pic of Brodeur talking with Leiweke pic.twitter.com/KxOwVDiE8X”
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 26, 2014
Officially, Brodeur is in town for David Clarkson’s golf tournament. The Bergen Record’s Tom Gulitti reports as much and adds this fact:
Not saying Brodeur couldn't end up in Toronto. But he did mention 2 weeks ago being used to being in U.S. market and prefering that.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) June 25, 2014
There isn’t even talk of terms being discussed - again, he’s in town for the golf tournament, not necessarily to negotiate with the Leafs - yet more than a few people seem, um, concerned.
This is how fragile the #LeafsNation is right now - a random Martin Brodeur sighting in TO sends everyone into a state of panic. #Leafs
— Jim Lang (@JimLangSports) June 25, 2014
For what it’s worth, there seems to be a strong chance that there’s an open spot in the goaltending mix for Toronto ... although not a starting gig like Brodeur, 42, might want. Jonathan Bernier was often brilliant last season while James Reimer may very well need to find a new team as a restricted free agent who seems estranged from the franchise.
Will there be any fire to come with the smoke? Who knows, but Brodeur in Toronto could be entertaining, although many Maple Leafs fans might disagree.