- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Continuing on with the previously mentioned Maple Leafs and Panthers trade rumor. From a Western Conference scout.
“Your people aren’t completely out of whack with that rumor you posted the other day,” the scout told me. “Toronto and Florida have been talking about the first-overall pick and Dion Phaneuf’s name has been mentioned, though I can’t see Dave Nonis giving up Phaneuf and Kadri in the same deal. Another young player would have to come back to Toronto in that scenario. Ed Jovanovski is a classy guy with tons of character; I’ve known him forever. But, he’s 38 and I’m not sure his hip will allow him to play again next season. So, the deal you were told about doesn’t make a ton of sense to me. But, I’d say there is something to the Phaneuf/No. 1 overall pick component.”
The Leafs have also talked to the Flames, Hurricanes and maybe the Oilers about Phaneuf according to the scout.
“I’ve heard that Toronto has also talked to Carolina and Calgary about Phaneuf,” he said. “Possibly Edmonton as well. And, Florida has a whole line-up of general managers interested in discussing the first overall pick. So, even though your city is the center of the hockey universe (my friend can never resist a western dig), there are many other possibilities. Keep your tongue in.”
The contract that Phaneuf is currently still on, contains a limited no-trade clause in which he submits a list of at least 12 teams he’d be willing to go to.