The Leafs – Senators deal almost done
Darren Dreger: Nikita Zaitsev has agreed to waive his no-trade clause.
Bruce Garrioch: Nikta Zaitsev, Connor Brown and Michael Carconne for Cody Ceci, Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk and a pick.
- Bob McKenzie: The draft pick the Maple Leafs are getting originally belonged to the Blue Jackets.
Murray Pam: The Senators are sending the Maple Leafs a 2020 third round pick that previously belonged to the Blue Jackets
Bob McKenzie: So Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Brown are on their way to the Ottawa Senators – after Zaitsev’s $3 million bonus is paid – with Cody Ceci going to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
There are going to be at least six pieces (draft picks and players) that will be involved in the deal.
Chris Johnston: “The #leafs have been working multiple trade options in recent days with hopes of freeing cap space and filling positional needs. While there isn’t believed to be anything else in the hopper after the OTT deal, other opportunities may open now that July 1 bonuses are paid.”
All Quiet on the Gardiner front
James Mirtle: Things are quiet involving defenseman Jake Gardiner. “I still feel like Leafs have a shot, depending on fallout from this trade with Ottawa. Toronto theoretically should have space, even with Marner an unknown. Tomorrow should be interesting.”
Blackhawks still talking to free agents
KJohn Dietz: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman on the start of free agency: “We’re still talking to some free agents. … If you look back at where we were a couple months ago, we’ve added a couple of NHL players here. … and in the process, we didn’t ship out many NHL players.”
Charlie Roumeliotis: Bowman is confident that they’ll be able to re-sign David Kampf – who is now an unrestricted free agent.
Brendan Perlini has been qualified and it is “not as urgent” for them. He doesn’t expect it to be an issue.
Charlie Roumeliotis: Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov is owed a $2 million signing bonus and he no longer has a modified no-trade clause. This could open up some trade possibilities for the Blackhawks.