On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Kristen Shilton of TSN: Looking at five question the Maple Leafs face this month.
1. What is the best outcome in the Joffrey Lupul saga? Lupul has two years left a $5.2 million cap hit. Do they look to include a prospect in a deal to move him out? Do they ride out the next two years? Source saying that Lupul said he’s healthy and wants to play this year. Do they look to give him the Stephane Robidas treatment, though the NHLPA would likely investigate?
2. What is the delay on signing a backup goalie? There were reports that the Leafs were close to signing Jhonas Enroth, but it’s been quiet on that front since the report.
3. Can the Leafs sign Jimmy Vesey? The Sabres, Blackhawks, Bruins and Rangers are also interested.
4. Are the Maple Leafs strong enough on the blueline? The Leafs are still believed to be interested in Kris Russell.
5. How will the Maple Leafs navigate the salary cap? An arbitrator will decide on whether the Leafs can buy out Jared Cowen. If they can’t, they will be tight against the salary cap. LTIR for Nathan Horton is an option, and Robidas’ status may be “unknown.”
On Jonathan Bernier …
Tal Pinchevsky of ESPN: The Maple Leafs traded Jonathan Bernier to the Ducks earlier this offseason, and Bernier was expecting a trade.
“I was expecting , it’s a tough business. I was ready mentally for that,” Bernier said. “I knew they were going to get someone. But to be honest I didn’t expect a long-term deal like Freddy signed. At that point I knew it was better for me to go somewhere else because I wasn’t in their future plan. That’s why I’m excited.”
On Las Vegas …
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: Looking at five potential candidates for the first head coach of the Las Vegas franchise. They are not expected to name a head coach until sometime in 2017 as other coaches could become available.
1. Travis Green
2. Sheldon Keefe
3. Kevin Dineen
4. Bob Hartley
5. Claude Julien