On the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks …
Maple Leafs Hotstove: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 1050 talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs interest level on Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen.
“I could see why the Toronto Maple Leafs would have interest in him. Fits the profile in terms of age and experience and skill level and the attributes that he’s got as an offensive-minded, skating, puck-moving guy with power play ability. I think it makes sense.”
Pierre LeBrun has told that a lot of teams are calling the Ducks and there will be lots of competition from other teams. The price to acquire Vatanen will probably be high.
Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on if Vatanen would be a fit for the Maple Leafs and what the asking price could be. Dreger says the Leafs are interested, and are likely interested in a lot of defenseman that could be available. If the Avs trade Matt Duchene and get a defenseman back, they could then move Tyson Barrie.
“Specific to Vatanen, what is it going to cost to get that player? There is a history of trading between Anaheim Ducks and the Toronto Maple Leafs; maybe not to this degree, but there is history there, so it does make some sense from Bob Murray’s perspective. He’s either going to want a key young piece off the Toronto Maple Leafs — and it’s not going to be any of the guys that you would expect — and I’d include van Riemsdyk in that category. And perhaps something else. Or, he’s going to want high picks and prospects. Let’s also be mindful of the fact that there will be a very strong market — there is a strong market for Sami Vatanen. Bob Murray can ask for whatever he wants and the Leafs might not want to pay it.”