On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Scott Cullen of TSN: The Maple Leafs could buy out defenseman Jared Cowen. They could still attempt to trade him.
The Leafs have lots of options up front, but they are a little thin on the blueline. They could explore moving some of their forward depth for help on defenseman. Puck moving RFAs that could be traded this summer include Sami Vatanen, Tyson Barrie and Matt Dumba, but they would cost a premium. Jason Demers is a UFA and could fit into a top-four.
Jonathan Bernier is being paid like a starting goaltender at a $4.15 million cap hit. If the Leafs want to improve in net, they could look at Frederik Andersen or Brian Elliott. If there is expansion, more goalies could become available.
Leafs offseason needs: Two top-six forwards, depth forwards, two top-four defencemen, and a goaltender.
Maple Leafs who could be traded: Tyler Bozak, Peter Holland, Matt Hunwick, Jonathan Bernier and draft picks.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: It’s obvious that some change were needed in Anaheim. Bruce Boudreau was fired. GM Bob Murray will have big decisions to make with regards to some of his pending RFAs – Hampus Lindhom, Sami Vatanen, Frederik Andersen and Rickard Rakell.
If the Ducks are not able afford all of them, Murray must get max return for those he’s willing to move.
Pending UFAs include David Perron, Jamie McGinn, Chris Stewart, Shawn Horcoff and Mike Santorelli – some, if not all, won’t be back.
Ownership keeps the Ducks internal budget below the salary cap.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: GM Jim Benning knows they have work to do, but they plan on being competitive every year, and will draft the best player this year to make that happen.
On College UFA Drake Caggiula …
Elliotte Friedman: College free agent Drake Caggiula returned home on Sunday after visiting approximately eight teams. He is expected to make a decision later this week. It’s believed he visited the Sabres, Blackhawks, Oilers, Senators, Flyers, Penguins, Lightning and Canucks.
Brad Schlossman: Believe that the NY Rangers are also in the mix for Caggiula.