David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staples notes Nick Kypreos’s tweet that had Oilers GM Craig MacTavish and Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis talking for a good 10 minutes after the GM meeting, then added “Could Tor move up in draft for D man in return?” Staples notes that the only way the Oilers would move the 7th overall pick was if they got a useful top-4 defenseman or top-6 forward in return. Jake Gardiner is a left handed shot and is offensive Dman, Carl Gunnarsson is more of a shut-down guy. Staples lists Dion Phaneuf and Michael Kostka as other Leafs top-4 minute guys.
Dan Tencer: Tencer thinks it’s a stretch to see any of those Leafs as worthy of the 7th overall. Maybe, if the Leafs first round pick is included.
Mark Spector: Spector thinks it would be players and lower picks being traded. Can’t see a Leafs defenseman worth the 7th overall, that they would part with. David Staples: Staples notes that Gardiner sounds promising. Mark Spector: “Just don’t see Leafs dishing a Gardiner for a pick, then waiting for that pick to develop. If Oil did that fans would freak.” David Staples: “Yeah, I would not predict that to happen either. But Coach Carlyle happy with Gardiner?”
David Staples: Staples could see Gunnarsson if other players are involved.
