Rumors III – Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers
  • Renaud Lavoie: Conclusion after looking at today trades – the market is very expensive.
  • Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Jeremy Roenick on Sportsnet 590 criticized the Leafs lack of identity and questioned if they could trade Phil Kessel for a Grade A return. He wonders if a star-for-star would revitalize two players career.

    “Is it time for Eric Staal to move on? He seems to be stuck in this no-man’s land, nobody there to help him . He’s still a very good player. Is a swap for a Staal and a Kessel good for both teams and both players?” Roenick wondered.

    “Toronto’s gotta change something. The chemistry and the dynamics are not working, obviously. And I don’t think Toronto fans will take it much longer.”

  • David Pagnotta: The Rangers have been scouting the Maple Leafs lately. Tyler Bozak may be their guy according to Bob McKenzie.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont: Thought a couple weeks ago was that the Leafs could quickly move Phil Kessel for a load in return. Has been quiet thus far. Pierre LeBrun: He’s very likely an offseason trade, can involve more teams.
  • Mark Masters: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis: “We’ll continue to talk to teams. It’s not like business is done. Will we be active on deadline day? I still think there’s a chance.”
  • James Mirtle: Nonis said that trading big names and salaries is harder to do during the season.
  • David Pagnotta: The Kings weren’t able to work out a deal with the Maple Leafs for Dion Phaneuf. They were also interested in Cody Franson. Had been talking with the Hurricanes about Sekera dating back to December.
  • Rich Hammond: Kings GM Dean Lombardi has lots of work to do regarding their free agents: RFAs: Andreoff, Jones, Pearson, Shore, Toffoli UFAs: McBain, Regehr, Stoll, Williams
  • Jim Matheson: Wondering why there hasn’t been a new contract for UFA and dressing room leader Jarret Stoll.