Maple Leafs looking for a power forward and a right-handed defenseman
TSN: Darren Dreger said that that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for a power forward and a right-handed defenseman.
“And someone will link the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Flyers because there is ongoing speculation that the Leafs need a power forward and Wayne Simmonds’ name always pops up when you get into those types of conversations. Micheal Ferland of the Carolina Hurricanes might be another consideration,” Dreger said. “I believe that if the coaching staff of the Leafs were making deals, yes, they would add a power forward. But at what cost?”
Dreger continues that “Management is more keen on a right-shot defenceman.” The ideal situation would see them acquiring a top-pairing guy and moving Ron Hainsey down to the third pairing.
Adding a right-handed defenseman and a power forward are not easy to do and can be costly.
Do the St. Louis Blues consider blowing it up?
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and was asked if the St. Louis Blues could move defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.
Friedman notes that Nick Kypreos linked Pietrangelo to the Toronto Maple Leafs over the weekend. The Blues never expected to be in the position they are in now, and would basically listen to almost anything.
“Look, I’ve talked about Tarasenko. His no-trade kicks in July 1. P.K. Subban, you saw what happened in Montreal. To think that this couldn’t be a possibility – I think you have to think it could be a possibility.”
Friedman moves on to Pietrangelo who has a year left on his contract. Do the Blues start to wonder if maybe this is the time to blow it up and start over?
“Should we be asking ourselves, ‘Hey, forget about Pietrangelo as a player. Does it make sense to do this, to invest what we’re going to have to invest to keep him.’
“And I think that’s the question they’re asking. And I think Nick is absolutely right. But I don’t think it’s a guarantee, I just think it’s something they’re considering.”
