Clifford not focused on free agency, wants to win Cup with Maple Leafs

Kyle Clifford said he's not thinking about becoming an unrestricted free agent as long as the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup this season still exists.

Clifford's contract expires after this season, which was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

"I haven't focused on the (business) stuff," the 29-year-old forward said Wednesday. "Those things will take care of themselves."

The Maple Leafs acquired Clifford and goalie Jack Campbell in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 5 for forward Trevor Moore and third-round picks in the NHL Draft in 2020 and 2021. Clifford scored 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 69 games this season, and 132 points (61 goals, 71 assists) in 676 games with the Maple Leafs and Kings.

A native of Ayr, Ontario (about 60 miles southwest of Toronto), Clifford said he understands how much Maple Leafs fans are thirsting for their first Stanley Cup championship since 1967. Toronto (36-25-9) is third in the Atlantic Division, three points ahead of the Florida Panthers.

Clifford said he and his teammates are hopeful the season resumes in some form so the Maple Leafs can try to win a championship. He scored 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 55 Stanley Cup Playoff games and won the Cup twice with the Kings (2012, 2014).

"We're a young team, a hungry team [and we] want it for the city of Toronto," said Clifford, who is quarantined with his wife Paige and their three sons near Gravenhurst, Ontario, about 100 miles north. "I don't think there'd be any greater feeling than to take it down those streets of Toronto for a parade.

"There's a real appetite among the and coaching staffs to get back playing. We're waiting, we're staying ready, we're all training, (everyone) is putting the work in. We're staying patient. Playing for a Stanley Cup is better than not playing for a Stanley Cup, regardless of the format. … Other than my kids being born, it's been the greatest feeling of my life."