- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: A source told the Star that the Maple Leafs are quietly shopping Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel and others exclusively to Western Conference teams. There is nothing imminent. Things could heat up after this weekend. The Avalanche may be more interested in Phaneuf than Jake Gardiner as they already have a young blueline. No team is expected to move on Phaneuf or Kessel until the trade deadline due to the size of their contracts. Both have limited no-trade clauses. Cody Franson will either be re-signed or traded by the deadline.
- Scott Lewis of Sportsnet: Five potential landing spots for Maple Leafs Phil Kessel and potential trade chips of those teams.
Predators: Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis, Kevin Fiala, Calle Jarnkrok
Islanders: Ryan Strome, Griffin Reinhart, Michael Dal Colle, Ryan Pulock, Josh Ho-Sang, Brock Nelson. (Lewis notes packing Kessel, Gardiner and a pick for a package of their blue chip prospects.)
Blue Jackets: Sonny Milano, Ryan Murray, Kerby Rychel, Boone Jenner, Alexander Wennberg, Oliver Bjorkstrand
Coyotes: Max Domi, Laurent Dauphin, Keith Yandle, Mikkel Boedker, Henrik Samuelsson, Brandon Gormley
Blues: Patrik Berglund, Jori Lehtera, Dmitrij Jaskin, Ty Rattie, Robby Fabbri, Jordan Schmaltz, Ivan Barbashev
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Six Maple Leafs that could be traded after the All-Star break.
Tyler Bozak – he’s at least a second- or third-line center who is good on the draw, can kill penalties and can play on the power play. The Oilers got a first round pick and Rob Klinkhammer from the Penguins for David Perron who only had five goals and 19 points.
Jake Gardiner – Depends on what they do with Dion Phaneuf and Cody Franson. Would want a young player in return, preferably a center. Could he be part of a package for Ryan O’Reilly?
Joffrey Lupul – when he’s healthy, he can produce. He has three-years left at $5.25 million cap hit. The Leafs might have to take a salary back or retain some.
Mike Santorelli – they should consider re-signing him, but can they afford it? He will likely ask for something in the $3 million a season range. Teams that are looking for depth could be interested.
Daniel Winnik – he’s recorded 19 points at even strength. He can kill penalties and will be looking for a pay increase next season. Could get a 2nd or 3rd round pick for him.
James Reimer – he makes $2.3 million, which is a bit much for a back up. Goalies don’t have a lot of resale value and he has a .906 SV% and 3.32 GAA.
- TSN Video: Darren Dreger talking about the Maple Leafs. They are getting calls for Cody Franson and other pending UFAs. There have been some calls for Phil Kessel, but some of those teams wouldn’t be able to fit his cap hit in until the offseason. Nothing is imminent, but something could happen next week. The Leafs are looking for players in their early 20’s in return. Nazem Kadri is looking for a deal in the $4 to $4.5 million range. They haven’t talked about term and no formal offer has been made.
- Gus Katsaros: TSNs Ray Ferraro said that Maple Leafs should make Cody Franson a priority over Nazem Kadri when talking about contract extensions.