JFJ is publicly stated he would like to resign Mike Peca and Peca has repeatedly voiced his desire to return to the Leafs. So with two willing parties it's likely a done deal.However in the era of the salary cap, nothing is that simple. Peca will likely sign for less than the $2.5 million he earned last year because of the severity of the injury he sustained. I would guess he will earn between $1.5 - $2.0 million. But Leaf salaries have already hit $48 million and the cap is $50.3 million. JFJ has to leave himself some cap space. As well, the centre spot begins to get crowded. The first two lines will be filled by Sundin and Wellwood. That leaves Peca, Stajan ($875,000) and Pohl ($450,000) for only two spots. Economics seem to suggest Stajan is on his way out.
Trading Stajan who is 23 to sign Peca who is 33 seems to go against youth strategy that JFJ always talks about. But he has no long term contract so what good is a long term strategy (much like the Argo QB strategy). Most people would agree just keep Stajan and let him develop. But the Leafs need help in the penalty killing department. Although Stajan was pretty good there, Peca was much better.
Looking beyond all the rhetoric, the Leafs have not changed their pre-lockout strategy which is go with veterans. Everyone blamed Pat Quinn for this strategy but in fact JFJ full embraces this approach. Trades for Raycroft and Toskala suggest that the Leaf plan is to squeak into the playoffs and pray for some upsets.
EDIT: JFJ was quoted on Aug 2 stating that he was not looking to trade Stajan which would explain why the Peca contract hasn't moved forward.
