- Elliotte Friedman said that a handful of teams have talked to the Maple Leafs about what it would take to get Phil Kessel. If a trade were to be worked out, it likely wouldn’t happen for at least another couple of weeks. Kessel has seven years left on deal with a cap hit of $8 million.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs might consider trading the No. 4 overall pick according to assistant GM Kyle Dubas.
“It’s something we would definitely look at,” said Leafs interim co-GM Kyle Dubas. “If someone else was adamant about a player, we’re pretty comfortable with the players in that cluster.
“We need to be acquiring as many draft pick assets as we can, as many prospects as we can. If there was something that made sense, we’d be open to listening and having some thorough discussions on the fourth pick.”
The idea may be to trade No. 4 for another first round pick and a second. The Leafs don’t have a second round pick, but own Nashville’s first rounder.
“Everyone is feeling us out,” said Mark Hunter, the Leafs other interim co-GM. “They’re talking to Brendan Shanahan too. There’s lots of talk going on. Nothing concrete.”
Arizona has been telling people that they really like Dylan Strome.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brendan Shanahan may be considering being the Maple Leafs next GM. It’s not his first choice, but sources saying that he’d rather take the position for now instead of hiring the wrong person.Owner, GM and coach of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, Kelly McCrimmon, has a standing offer from the Leafs.The Leafs have a lot of interest in Rangers assistant GM Jeff Gorton, but it’s looking like he’ll take over from Glen Sather when he steps down.