Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 talking about how the trade talk could be heating up and he’s starting to hear some stuff.
“I think we’re all kind of wondering what Toronto is going to do. I think Toronto has got some space in the next two years. I think Toronto is going to look and say, ‘Okay, we’ve got two years before our cap is really crazy. What can we add to do that.’ I think they’re definitely involved in the Anaheim situation.
“I think Montreal is going to be a pretty interesting team to watch. Carey Price and the contract talks are going to continue this week.
“And you know, Colorado – I think one of the more interesting ones was Tyson Barrie. Colorado is looking for defensemen. I kind of thought they’d keep him and the word overseas was that, ‘No, they’re willing to move him as long as it’s a good hockey trade.’
Adrian Dater: “Not at all 100% on this, but: consensus I’m getting is Avs did not come at Dubas with offer to be immediate GM. A post lower than that. So, Leafs then said no to him leaving. Permission was for him to leave only if he got GM offer. Confusing a bit, yes, but what I hear.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Colorado Avalanche’s window to hire Kyle Dubas had already closed before the story broke that Avs were interested in him. It sounded like he had a chance at getting the job, but the Maple Leafs changed their mind. Mark Hunter appears to be ahead of Dubas as Lou Lamoriello’s replacement when he decides to retire.
Dubas’ spot with the Leafs is a bit up in the air as his contract is up at the end of the month. A source said that he may have already signed a contract extension.
Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen has a torn labrum and he could be out longer than Hampus Lindholm who is out for four to five months. The Ducks and Cam Fowler are expected to work on an extension.
If GM Bob Murray moves a defensman, it likely won’t be Lindholm, and he may not want to do a deal with a team in the West … unless he’s interested in the Dallas Stars 3rd overall pick. [Friedman] has heard the Ducks really like Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett.
[Friedman] can’t see the Maple Leafs wanting to trade Connor Brown. Lamoriello and coach Mike Babcock scouted the Predators – Ducks. Dave Nonis (scout with the Ducks) also really likes Brown.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray will have some big decisions to make this offseason.
Expansion draft – They could ask Kevin Bieksa to waive his no-movement clause. The Ducks need to find a way to make sure that Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg are not lost. Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler have NMCs. On the blueline they could potentially expose one of Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm or Josh Manson.
Or the could figure out a trade that makes sense – The Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Buffalo Sabres are all teams outside of their conference that could use a defenseman. Corey Perry could become a trade candidate, but he’s 32-years old and carries a $8.625 million cap hit for another four years.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock was at the Predators-Ducks game last week. The Ducks would be a perfect trade partner for the Maple Leafs who could use a right-handed top-four defenseman.
Sami Vatanen would be of interest at $4.875 million for another three years. Cheaper and less experienced options would be Brandon Montour and Josh Manson.
Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune:
Toronto Maple Leafs – Will have at least $12 million in cap space and might be looking to improve their defense. Would any of the Blackhawks veterans be open to a trade to Toronto? The Blackhawks have had their eye on James van Riemsdyk, who carries a $4.25 million cap hit next year before becoming a UFA.
Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) The Arizona Coyotes aren’t looking to trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but if someone was willing to offer a ton for him, the Coyotes would at least have to listen. The Toronto Maple Leafs would be a terrific fit, but at what cost?