Maple Leafs willing to trade their first-round pick
TSN: Pierre LeBrun said that the Toronto Maple Leafs would consider trading their first-round pick this year as they are now ready to compete for the Cup.
“Some of the teams that I’ve talk to, their understanding is that in the right package for a top-four defenceman, the Leafs would listen to including that first-round pick as part of the package.
Obviously, that would include on whoever else the Leafs would be dealing in that package. If the potential roster player or prospect is of a higher degree, then maybe the first-round pick isn’t in play. It really depends on the package at large, but that first-round pick could move in that type of deal.”
Leafs looking to add to their blueline not subtract
TSN: Darren Dreger said that Maple Leafs are looking to add to their blue line and not subtract from it. Some fans want the Leafs to trade Jake Gardiner, but they will use him as their own rental.
“They’re going to consider re-signing him, but the ask is likely going to be too rich as a pending unrestricted free agent. And if he’s a 50-point defenceman, he’s going to command upwards of $6 million or beyond that. Again, it’s about adding to the blue line in Toronto, not subtracting regardless of the slump that Gardiner appears to be in right now.”
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner has become the whipping boy for many fans.
Gardiner will be a sought after defenseman on July 1st. The Maple Leafs won’t be able to fit him in with their cap constraints.
Leafs needs ahead of the trade deadline
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs need to find another goalie with some NHL experience. They lack depth. Anaheim Ducks Ryan Miller and Carolina Hurricanes and former Leafs Curtis McElhinney could be options.
Some grit up front is another area that could use upgrading. Philadelphia Flyers Wayne Simmonds and Carolina Hurricanes Micheal Ferland may fit that bill.
A right-handed defenseman could be another area they look at, and grit could be an option there. New York Rangers Adam McQuaid could come at a reasonable price. Leafs coach Mike Babcock is a fan of St. Louis Blues Jay Bouwmeester. Detroit Red Wings Niklas Kronwall may become available.
GM Kyle Dubas has said he would prefer a player with term over a rental.
Hurricanes defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be available with the Hurricanes have had a previous interest in William Nylander and Kasperi Kapanen.