There is no doubting the highly-skilled forward will command a pretty penny for his services almost no matter what he achieves this year. For other players in the organization, however, this will be a make-or-break season in determining the direction of their respective careers.
With the Leafs almost maxed out to their full entitlement of contracts, earning an NHL deal is no certainty for players on the periphery. Just ask prospects Martins Dzierkals and J.J. Piccinich, who have both signed AHL deals just to get their foot in the door.
There are a dozen players in the last year of their entry-level contracts that are almost certain to spend the season with the Toronto Marlies this year.