Bolland seeks long-term extension from Leafs

Dave Bolland has missed most of his first season with the Maple Leafs due to injury, but still he is rumoured to want a massive contract extension. Can the Leafs afford him, and if not should they trade him?

Dave Bolland has played just 15 games in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform, yet the pending unrestricted free agent is seeking a new seven or eight-year deal from the club, according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos.

The total salary the 27-year-old Bolland is seeking over that term could exceed $40 million.

Bolland’s current contract, which expires on July 1, carries a $3.375 million cap hit. The Leafs acquired the centre from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for the No. 51 and No. 117 picks in the 2013 draft, and the Leafs’ fourth-round pick in 2014.

A native of Mimico, Ont., Bolland quickly became a favourite of Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle. In addition to killing penalties, he scored six goals with four assists through 15 games this season before suffering a lacerated ankle tendon on Nov. 2 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Bolland is expected to return to the lineup soon, but his status is uncertain for the Leafs’ next game, which takes place Thursday in Long Island against the Islanders.

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