Nick Kypreos: ”If I look at the Leafs I say Kessel, Bozak, JVR, Phaneuf, Bernier and Rielly are safe and everyone else can be moved” … ”When you’re locked into some of these long-term deals it makes it very difficult to improve. Could be a long process here in TO”
Doug MacLean: ”If you get a #1 C & a #1 D then the Leafs have the making of a good team. There’s a reason guys like Dion & Phil were traded here” … ”There are warts on these players and that’s why they became available”
Ray Ferraro: ”#1 priority for the Leafs is a big Centre.”
Doug MacLean: ”Bieksa is no doubt available and he’s a guy who could come to Toronto and make a difference”
Doug MacLean: ”Is Bolland coming back? I keep hearing rumblings he’s going to Florida”
Ray Ferraro: ”If Nonis fires Carlyle his replacement is probably his last hire. Think it’s more likely goes with someone he’s more familiar with” … ”Would Nonis look at a guy like Dineen? Who’s the next hot young coach? It used to be Cooper & Boucher” … ”I’d think John Stevens and Davis Payne are guys that get interviewed for top jobs shortly”
Darren Dreger: ”I think there is enough evidence to suggest and I believe Carlyle will lose his job”
Nick Kypreos: Source confirms that Maple Leafs CEO Tim Leiweke is interested in bringing in Brendan Shanahan. Bob McKenzie: Confirms that the Leiweke has contacted Shanahan for a top hockey ops position.
Adam Proteau: Shanahan may not of the experience as a GM or President, but there are few who are more plugged-in to the hockey world.
Randy Sportak: The Flames offered Shanahan the President position last summer before Brian Burke took the position.
John Shannon: Source saying that Leiweke is ”trying really hard to land him, but too early to know.”
Darren Dreger: ”I haven’t talked to Shanahan but those that are familiar with this storyline suggest he’s keenly interested in the Leafs” … ”Shanahan is also very respectful. I think he’d have a hard time coming into Toronto without the blessing of Nonis”
The Fourth Period: The Maple Leafs are also thought to have interest in Flyers assistant GM and Director of Hockey Operations Ron Hextall. It’s not known if the Leafs have asked permission to speak with Hextall, or if Leiweke plans on doing so. Also not known if the Flyers would grant the Leafs permission. Source close to Hextall said that if he were to leave the Flyers, he’d want ‘full authority” to run an organization. Bob Nicholson could also be a Leiweke target if Brandon Shanahan isn’t interested.
Nick Kypreos: ”I think the players will have a big say here on Carlyle’s future”
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: It is hard to imagine Randy Carlyle returning. Phil Kessel, Morgan Rielly, Jakes Gardiner, Jonathan Bernier and James van Riemsdyk are players to build around. Joffrey Lupul and Nazem Kadri could be moved if they can find the right fit. The remaining roster is expendable. James Reimer is hoping to find a starting gig somewhere.
Likely only one or two of Nikolai Kulemin, Dave Bolland, Mason Raymond, Jay McClement and Paul Ranger will be back next year. Cody Franson and Tim Gleason could be traded as well.
Nick Kypreos: ”You have to give up something good to get something good. Kadri? Lupul is moveable but people are worried about his health”
Doug MacLean: ”The Leafs need three to four defenseman. I could get rid of Gunnarsson. I would consider moving Gardiner. Rielly only untouchable”
Nick Kypreos: ”Franson is a guy who could bring back some good value. Teams like him”
Mark Masters: Pending RFA Cody Franson: ”Toronto was my favourite team growing up. This is my dream come true. I’m hopeful that I get to stay.”
Ray Ferraro: ”I think the Leafs would look at moving Franson or Kadri.” … ”What about Lupul? Is he part of the core? Do you look at moving him for someone younger and healthier?”
Ray Ferraro: ”They’ll move Reimer but that’ll be for just a pick”
Ray Ferraro: ”You walk away from Raymond and McClement. McClement makes too much $ for the role he plays”
Darren Dreger: “I know Leaf management wasn’t thrilled how Carlyle commented on Reimer being OK & then Reimer’s agent saying what he did” … “That entire situation isn’t something Leaf management is happy about”
Darren Dreger: “If it hasn’t happened already, and I believe it hasn’t, Reimer’s agent will contact the Leafs to facilitate a trade to another team”
Elliotte Friedman: “I don’t think Phaneuf’s contract is as bad either. That’s a deal that can be moved if they want”
Elliotte Friedman: “The best thing the Leafs didn’t do this year was trade someone like Jake Gardiner”