Rumors I: Leafs, Canadiens, Vermette and Panthers
  • RDS: (through google translate) The Maple Leafs are interested in Canadiens Michael Bournival and Christian Thomas.
  • Brian Wilde: It would take three or four pieces for the Canadiens to get Phil Kessel. If the Leafs want Bournival and Thomas, the Canadiens would need add a roster center as well. Kessel is elite.
  • Darren Dreger of TSN: Coyotes Antoine Vermette will command between $5 and $6 million a season on a new deal. There is interest from the Canadiens, Bruins, Red Wings, Rangers, Ducks and Avalanche. The asking price is high – a first round pick and a prospect or young roster player.

    Percentages that Leafs players get traded

    85% – Cody Franson, Daniel Winnik and Mike Santorelli
    75% – Korbinian Holzer
    60% – Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul
    30% – Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner and James Reimer
    20% – Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel and Jonathan Bernier
    5% – James van Riemsdyk
    0% – Morgan Rielly

  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant questioned Sean Bergenheim effort when explaining why he was scratched again.

    “If he gave me 100 percent, he would be playing. That’s fair. But there’s a few guys who didn’t give 100 percent last night. You just have to make a decision.”

    Gallant later added.

    “I’m trying to win,” Gallant said. “When I made my decision with my coaches, it was only who gives us the best chance to win.”

    Bergenheim said yesterday that he requested a trade earlier this month after he was scratched for three straight games. The Panthers have been shopping Bergenheim.

    “I wish none of this would have come out,” Bergenheim said. “When I asked for a trade, I thought everything would be kept — as it should — within the team. This shouldn’t have been done this way. “I just want to play. And this could be good for the Panthers. Maybe they get something in return that helps them become a better team.”

    Harvey Fialkov: Would be shocked if Bergenheim is with the Panthers in a week.