- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis,
“Last year I had a list of teams I kept in touch with. I did about half. Brian (Burke) did about half. That’s how we operated.
“Now, I pretty much talk to everybody. That’s the plan this year. We bring our hockey staff together. We want to hear everybody’s views on things. Then we get ready for what comes.
“You go into a trade deadline with certain expectations. But you never really know what the next phone call you’re going to get is. I don’t believe in untouchables. There’s always a price for any player. The question is: Is anyone willing to pay it?
“Right now, I can tell you I don’t have anything even interesting on the go. Nothing at all. But I believe there will be something for us to think about by Wednesday.
“Right now, we’re not close on anything.”
Nonis might be interested in 1. A veteran goalie – maybe not Luongo, someone closer a Nikolai Khabibulin. 2. A depth center – can play on various lines. 3. A top-4 defesneman – someone who could take some pressure off of Dion Phaneuf.
Nonis might be able to land a veteran goalie and a depth center without giving up too much. Many teams are looking for a top-four defenseman, there aren’t many available, and if they are, the price is high, see: Dan Boyle.
There are no untouchables on the Leafs roster.
“You always listen no matter who they ask about,” he said. “There’s a price tag for everybody. You just don’t get it very often.”
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Talks between the Maple Leafs and Canucks have quietly resumed this week after weeks of silence. GM Mike Gillis’ asking price may have come down and may no longer be demanding Nazem Kadri or Jake Gardiner. Tyler Bozak would still be a fit. There are now other goalie options for Nonis. James Reimer and Ben Scrivens have played well for the most part. They could take a run at Miikka Kiprusoff. It likely won’t take a first rounder to get him. Coyotes Mike Smith has a concussion and it’s not clear if the Coyotes are interested in moving him. Kiprusoff may be the Leafs top choice. Remaining with Reimer and Scrivens would allow the Leafs to not create a hole up the middle by trading Bozak to the Canucks.
