On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
@Prospects_Watch: Bob McKenzie on the Maple Leafs front office: “Either 1 of 2 things is going to happen, either Kyle Dubas will be named GM or Lou will be back for a defined period of time while they transition to Dubas in a year…I believe sooner rather than later Dubas will be GM of the Leafs”
@Prospects_Watch: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 and said that he doesn’t think there is a big gap between the potential contract extensions for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Dreger adds that if Matthews gets $11 to $12 million a year, Marner should get around $9 million per year.
Kristen Shilton: Pending UFA center Tyler Bozak: “It would be my top priority to stay here. My family loves it here, my kid loves it here, he thinks he owns the place. It’ll be tough on him if I’m not back.”
Michael Augello: Bozak indicated that he’d like to return next year but adds there has been no contact between the Maple Leafs and his reps.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: (mailbag) Jake Gardiner appears to be getting the Larry Murphy treatment in Toronto as the team scapegoat. A trade out of town may be a good idea for his mental health. Gardiner took the brunt from Game 7, but the team got clobbered in Games 1 and 2. Nazem Kadri suspension didn’t help, and neither did the play of Auston Mathews and William Nylander. Frederik Andersen was below average in three of the seven games.
Gardiner does more good things than bad, but when he’s off, he’s off. thinks that Gardiner will be traded. The Leafs would have to include a piece under 21-years old in a package to get something really good. sees it as a trade deadline move and not one done this offseason.
Trading Gardiner now would be a knee-jerk reaction and while his value is low.
Prospect Timothy Liljegren likely needs another year developing in the AHL.
If KHL defenseman Igor Ozhiganov decides to come to North America, the Maple Leafs appear to have the inside track. isn’t sure how he fits in though.
If the Maple Leafs moved Gardiner on his own, they might be able to get a couple prospects for him.