Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie on TSN Radio: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Leafs made a move. They need another body down the middle. It won’t be a panic move” … “I would imagine that Nonis is looking to see what is out there for the short-term” … “don’t start jumping to conclusions like the Leafs are going to move Jake Gardiner“
Darren Dreger of TSN: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis are looking for a forward, preferably a center. Talk talks are increasing, but there isn’t a lot available now. They have the assets for a higher end player where the return requires a premium of a young roster player, top prospect and a pick. They may be willing to pay that price for the right players, but more likely to use their depth on the blueline or draft picks in a smaller trade. Dreger Insider Video.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Oilers management at the Rangers-Ducks game: president Kevin Lowe, GM Craig MacTavish and special adviser Mark Messier. The Oilers are believed to accepting offers on Ales Hemsky and exploring the market for Nail Yakupov. If the Rangers were interested in Hemsky, they would have find a way to accommodate his $5 million salary. It’s not known if the Rangers would be willing to move the assets to acquire a player like Yakupov. The Rangers may not have an immediate need of a top-six forward with Carl Hagelin and Ryan Callahan returning to the lineup. Some people think that he’s Yakupov is difficult to coach and could bolt back to the KHL. The Rangers level of interest in Yakupov could depend on Rick Nash’s medical reports.
