- Steve Simmons: As of now, the Maple Leafs don’t have any offers of consequence for players that are not pending UFAs. (tweet posted at 2:42 PM)
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs Dion Phaneuf on trade rumors.
“It wears on you,” Phaneuf said after his first full practice in weeks. “It has not been a good month-and-a-half for us. We know where we’re at.
“We’ll be asked lots of questions and there will be lots of rumours. That’s not easy to deal with. You can feel it in the dressing room. You’re talking about guys’ lives, their jobs and careers. It definitely takes a toll on your room.
Joffrey Lupul on trade rumors.
“I love living here and love being a Leaf, but if I’m not in the plans, I’m not in the plans. I can’t talk my way back in. Whatever direction they go, I’m comfortable with it.”
Talk is the Canadiens could be interested in Roman Polak. Some think the Leafs and Kings could do something big.
- Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Pierre LeBrun on the Leafs Lunch on the Canadiens reportedly interest in Joffrey Lupul.
“The Habs have looked at him, as have other teams. Probably what would scare Bergevin is he is so meticulous about his cap and payroll. Even today’s move he marginally brought his cap number down . You look at Lupul’s deal and especially because of the injuries; it’s a big number for a guy who is not always in your lineup. $5.25 million cap hit, three more years, I’m not convinced it makes that much sense for Montreal. Certainly what he would bring is a little more offense. They continue to struggle to score, they’ve won so many one-goal games and low scoring games because they have the best goalie in the game and they lead the league in goals against. They’re not naturally gifted offensively right now.”
Nick Kypreos on Hockey Central at Noon
“My first question is if he can’t stay healthy during a regular season, how is he going to get through four rounds? Are you not trading for that type of contract saying is what you’re striving for? Can he even last three rounds? Even if you’re Calgary or Winnipeg, why wouldn’t you think, with some luck or health on you side, you couldn’t get to a Conference Final? Teams start thinking that way.
We know Montreal has been following the Leafs around. I’m also hearing that they’ve been watching Daniel Winnik very closely. Maybe that’s the depth guy that can give Montreal a little bit of size as well.”
- Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro on TSN radio on Joffrey Lupul: “Some guys can’t elevate to play with better guys. Lupul can. I can see teams being interested in him” “I think teams would say they’re interested & then look at who else is on the market” “Like teams might look at Chris Stewart & think they’d rather have him bc his contract expires after this year.” “If the term was shorter than the rate of return would elevate” “I think good teams will be interested & if the deal is consummated people in Toronto will be underwhelmed by the return“
- Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro on TSN radio on Jonathan Bernier: “I’m not sold on a long-term deal on Bernier. I don’t know why you would have any hurry to sign Bernier” “I’d get myself towards the draft & then try to evaluate what I could get for him, or if I feel Bernier is my guy, I wouldn’t be averse to signing him to 3 years but I’m not going 5 years $27 or $30 mill.”