On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: With having Joffrey Lupul, Stephane Robidas and Nathan Horton on the LTIR, the Maple Leafs have over $13 million in additional salary cap space available to them at the deadline.
“We will just have to wait and see if there are any opportunities,” the typically tight-lipped GM said Sunday. “You make a call, you get a call. It’s nothing new. It’s that time of the year.”
GM Lou Lamoriello has options to take advantage of the additional space. He could give up a prospect to acquire a player to help now, he could take on a bad contract if there is a pick or prospect included, or they could do both.
“You put a blanket over everything,” said Lamoriello. “You’re going to do what’s best. The plan has not changed. We’re still doing whatever it is to put this franchise in a position to sustain itself for a period of time.”
Coach Mike Babcock said over the weekend they don’t have depth up the middle. They’ve also been looking for a right-handed defenseman.
The Leafs have been linked to pending free agent Brian Boyle ($2 million) and Kevin Shattenkirk ($4.25 million).
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said they won’t me making much news on deadline day.
It’s always possible that a team offers a bunch of prospects and draft picks for James van Riemsdyk.
“We have to do what’s right,” Lamoriello said. “We can’t get off track, we have to do what’s best for today, not because of something that may sound enticing, something at the end of the rainbow that’s not there. At the same time, we keep an open mind.”
If the Leafs make a move, it would likely be for a center. To get to the next level, they could improve their blueline.