On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Bob MacKenzie on TSN Radio : An emphasis was placed on how Toronto would handle the trade deadline. The “ShanaPlan”, as it has been called, does not call for any bigger deals. Anything that fits into a certain slot will be considered. However, that means players like Tyler Bozak are not on the market or even James van Riemsdyk.
This echoes the mantra from many in the Toronto media. Brendan Shanahan is looking to make smaller deals to get below the “standard player contract” limit of 50. Also, Toronto wants to keep their core without sacrificing veterans for less than perceived market value. Finally, if Tyson Barrie comes along for a cheap price, then a trade would be considered. However, that seems unlikely.
On the Minnesota Wild …
Michael Russo on the Athletic:
The Minnesota trade plan took a significant hit when Jonas Brodin broke his hand earlier in the week. That 3-4 week injury hit has caused Chuck Fletcher and company to rethink things. Also, in order to sign Jordan Greenway, Minnesota will have to shed a contract. They are at the standard player contract max like Toronto.
Minnesota has three third round picks but a limit on higher end picks to trade for players. Fletcher will not mortgage the future like he did for Martin Hanzal. Matt Cullen might be the one player that does get moved. He would likely go back to Pittsburgh. Charlie Coyle is a remote possibility at this point.
The Athletic (mailbag) Another plausible idea is to trade Kyle Quincey for whatever small haul it will bring. Any bigger deal involves unloading contracts and that gets too costly for Fletcher. Tyler Ennis is another name that comes up but again his return would be little in comparison to trading a Coyle.
The sense from fans like the general manager is to wait and see. If the season goes up or down enough in the next couple weeks, that will determine the trade options. Will Minnesota buy or sell? They will have to make a move at least but may mostly stand pat.