Free Agents Hits: Kadri, Selanne and Cleary

Kadri wants to be paid like a star. Big money. Long term. Although no one involved will share the details of the stalled negotiations, whispers around indicate the two sides aren’t close to a deal.

The Leafs aren’t certain what they have in Kadri, which is why they are reluctant to give him a big, long-term deal. They’d like to sign him to a bridge deal in the $2-3 million range. Kadri wants to hit a home run.

“I know I’m being pretty reasonable, taking all that cap into consideration, when really, that’s not my job to do,” Kadri said Tuesday after 15 Leafs had a pre-camp workout.

“Obviously the closer it gets to camp, it’s becoming more and more of a distraction. But as I said, I’m being more than reasonable and it’s their decision to make.”

“By next week, I know what I’m going to do.”

“My point is, if they’re better than I am, I am expecting and accepting a smaller role,” Selanne said. “But if I’m better, I need to play more. I need to play top minutes. That’s what I’m looking for.

“That’s fair for everybody. To be honest, I’ve been playing a big role. I don’t know if I’m ready to play 10-12 minutes a game. And that’s what I want to make sure. If I play well, I get what I deserve.

“Sometimes it’s not like that. So I want to make sure I’m treated the way I deserve.”

“He’s always very clear, very honest” … “He said, ‘Teemu, I’m more than happy to see you back. It’s your decision. If you want to play, let’s do it” … “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t thinking about playing. But I haven’t really made the final decision because I don’t really have to yet.”