On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Darren Dreger: At least one team called the Maple Leafs over the weekend to ask if they were on James van Riemsdyk’s no-trade list. Trade speculation by the media promotes calls like this.
Chris Nichols: Dreger said that the team that called the Maple Leafs about JVR was not on his 10 team no-trade list.
Darren Dreger: Unless the Maple Leafs receive an offer that they can’t refuse, why would they want to move him during the season? They are playing games that matter and maybe potentially gaining some playoff experience is more valuable for their young players.
Kristen Shilton: Many are going to say a top-four defenseman for van Riemsdyk, but those don’t grow on trees. Young defenseman are coveted by many. JVR is worth a lot to the Maple Leafs.
On the New York Rangers …
Darren Dreger: The Rangers are looking for a top-four defenseman. It is a tough market as there are so many teams looking for the same thing.
On the 2018 Winter Olympics …
Darren Dreger: Talked to an owner and one of the governor’s and both don’t know why NHLPA head Don Fehr is so optimistic that the NHL will be going to the 2018 Olympics in South Korea.
On the Florida Panthers …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1290 and was asked about the Florida Panthers and what is going on with their front office.
“Look, they’re just trying to stabilize things. And I think for the most part they’ve done that,” said Dreger. “There was a bit of nonsense and unnecessary noise that came out of that when I reported that Dale Tallon was taking a far more active role day-to-day in the hockey operations of the Florida Panthers, and he’s doing that. I know that he’s beating the bushes. He’s looking for areas that he can improve that club and give them a better chance of competing night in and night out.
“But I think for the most part, things have settled down. Tommy Rowe is doing what he is doing and should be doing, and that’s primarily focused on being the head coach and not worrying about managing the Florida Panthers.”