On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston: Coach Mike Babcock said he’d like to have UFA defenseman Matt Hunwick back next year.
Frank Seravalli: The Maple Leafs have been talking to Vegas about a potentials deals, but they seem to be comfortable with who they have left unprotected. Brendan Leipsic, Martin Marincin or Kerby Rychel could be the top candidates to be selected by Vegas.
The Leafs have been looking for a top-four defenseman and the Golden Knights could end up with some and they’ve let everyone know they are going to be trading some defensemen.
“We’re going to have to move some defencemen,” McPhee told reporters Tuesday, “because we’re going to claim a bunch.”
Ottawa Senators Marc Methot is likely to get selected and would be of interest to the Leafs. Adding to this is that Dion Phaneuf not waiving his no-movement led to Methot being exposed. Methot has two years left on his deal at a $4.9 million cap hit.
The Maple Leafs are also familiar with right handed Bruins defenseman Colin Miller. He’d be a cheaper option and would fit in with Mike Babcock. Miller was also with Sault Ste. Marie when Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas was the GM.
The cost to acquire Matt Dumba would significant but he’d be a good fit.
Shawn Simpson: Vegas GM McPhee and Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello are very tight. Marc Methot played under Mark Hunter in Junior. Methot would look great beside Morgan Rielly … “If taking on Phaneuf costs the Sens Methot and he ends up with Leafs. That’s not going to be fun for Dorion.”
Kristen Shilton: Maple Leafs unrestricted free agent Brian Boyle.
“I’d have to say – there’s just so much going on. There’s interest from me , and we enjoyed our time. I’m a product of the Maple Leafs right now. You kind of have to wait and see. Every GM has decisoins to make right now. Right now it’s between my and Lou. Those conversations have to stay between our camp and theirs.”
Kristen Shilton: Boyle on what he’s looking for on his next contract: “You want to have some term, and that’s a big thing. It’s tougher when you’re 32. I love the game.”