On the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers …
Shawn Simpson: Watch for goaltender Robin Lehner to the Philadelphia Flyers.
On the Florida Panthers …
Matthew DeFranks of Sun-Sentinel: (mailbag) Not sure if the Florida Panthers will trade for a goaltender to replace Roberto Luongo while he’s out with his groin injury. The Panthers recalled Harri Sateri earlier this week. Coach Bob Boughner said they would look at finding outside help in goal to help take the workload off James Reimer.
If acquiring a goaltender, the Panthers will likely want to find someone that is on an expiring contract. Luongo has four years left on his deal, with Reimer having three. The other option would be to find someone on a two-way deal that could be sent to the AHL.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
The Fourth Period: The Toronto Maple Leafs have five pending unrestricted free agents in forwards James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Leo Komarov, Dominic Moore and defenseman Roman Polak.
It’s believed that the Maple Leafs and camps for van Riemsdyk, Bozak and Komarov had some semi-informal talks before the start of the season, but talks haven’t progressed since.
Multiple sources are saying there hasn’t been any progress made on new deals for van Riemsdyk, Bozak and Komarov.
van Riemsdyk’s next contract could be around $6 million a season.
It’s unlikely the Maple Leafs would consider moving any of the three given where they sit in the standings.
The Leafs have kicked tires on defenseman Tyson Barrie (Colorado) and Ryan Murray (Columbus) in the past. Those types of deals may be more offseason suited.
GM Lou Lamoriello may go the rental route at the deadline, giving up draft picks and/or prospects.
With Joffrey Lupul and Nathan Horton on the LTIR, the Maple Leafs do have around $5.55 million in salary cap space to work with.
