- The Fourth Period: Sources saying the Kings and Maple Leafs have held “significant discussions.” The Kings have shown interest in Dion Phaneuf, Cody Franson, Joffrey Lupul and Mike Santorelli. The Kings tried to package Mike Richards in a Phaneuf deal, but sources from both teams have said the Leafs are not interested in Richards as being the main part of a deal. They have scouted each other this week. The Leafs are also thought to be interested in Jordan Nolan, Kyle Clifford and prospect Jordan Weal. The Leafs were told Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson were not available for discussion. The Kings are also interested in defensemen Andrej Sekera, Zbynek Michalek and Andrew Ference.
- Chris Johnston: The Leafs and Kings have talked trade. Leafs GM Dave Nonis scouted the Kings AHL affiliate Manchester last night. LA executive Mike Futa watched the Leafs on Thursday.
- Pierre LeBrun: Nonis’s trip to see Manchester was planned a while back. He didn’t book the trip just to see Mike Richards. The Leafs and Kings have talked over the past month. Nonis will be going to other games as well this weekend.
- David Pagnotta: The Leafs also had a pro scout at the Kings game on Wednesday.
- David Pagnotta: The Red Wings and Kings have been keeping an eye on Leafs Cody Franson.
- Dhiren Mahiban of Pro Hockey Talk: Brendan Shanahan’s first choice as the Maple Leafs next GM might be Rob Blake. Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 radio.
There’s always been speculation about the future of Nonis and whether he’s Shanahan’s guy and what he’s going to do here.
When Mark Hunter got hired, I think there was a widespread presumption that he could be a general manager in waiting if and when Brendan Shanahan makes a move to terminate or put Dave Nonis out to pasture – whatever the case may be.
I’ve also heard, over the course of time, that Brendan Shanahan’s first choice, if he were to hire a general manager other than Dave Nonis, would be Rob Blake, who worked with Shanahan at player safety and now of course works for the Los Angeles Kings under the Dean Lombardi regime.
I personally don’t think Rob Blake has any interest in leaving Southern California. He’s a surfer, he likes working with the Kings, and as much as he one day maybe wants to be a general manager, I’d be absolutely shocked if he wanted to do it in Toronto.