Louis Jean Have been told that the Maple Leafs are interested in Vegas defenseman Nate Schmidt. Would a 2nd round pick get him from Vegas?
Kevin McGran Colin Miller to the Maple Leafs is a possibility. It would likely mean the end of Roman Polak in Toronto.
Kristen Shilton Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello “wouldn’t discuss” if they’ve had talks with free agent defenseman Matt Hunwick. Lamoriello said he’s spoken with Brian Boyle but not about a future return.
Kristen Shilton: Lamoriello said that Joffrey Lupul failed his exit physical. He missed all of last season with an injury.
Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Nick Kypreos on Fan 590 on the Maple Leafs search for a defenseman.
“I would think that they believe there is a window for the next two or three years where they feel like they can win a Stanley Cup or certainly compete for one. And then it’ll get tricky with the long-term contracts and the commitments and how much Auston wants and Marner and Willy. They’ve got to go out and get that core defenceman yesterday. They’re on it. They’re looking.”
“There is a lot of talk about Colin Miller coming to Toronto and he’ll once again be a good serviceable player, but they can certainly look for a top-four. Vatanen might still be in play here. They need that type of guy and they know now the process has been sped up because of the fact that they’ve got their core now and look like they can compete for the next 5-10 years if you can keep them all together.”
Chris Johnston: Coach Mike Babcock said that they expect Miro Aaltonen, Andreas Borgman and Calle Rosen to compete for a roster spots on the Leafs next year but adds “We have too many players now.”
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said last night that they will “absolutely” trade one of their defensemen by next week.
The Wild could be looking to add a center as Mikko Koivu and Eric Staal are their only centers. They could move Charlie Coyle down the middle and start Joel Eriksson Ek on the wing.
The Wild have $13 million in cap space with 14 players under contract and need to re-sign Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter.
Jonas Brodin and Marco Scandella have salaries over $4 million and Jason Pominville carries a $5.6 million salary cap hit.
Teams looking for defensemen include the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars.
“We’re looking to improve our team if we can,” he said. “We’re speaking to a lot of teams. We’re getting a lot of calls. We have been for a while. With this process now completed, I think it’ll clear things up and probably simplify the process.”
Bob McKenzie: “As for all these Colin Miller to TOR rumors, driven in part by Dubas/Keefe connection, I’d never say never, BUT it may be more media driven.
Bob McKenzie: “Miller to TOR may make all kinds of sense, and who knows, maybe it happens, but my understanding is it’s not been on their radar recently … Maybe that changes…”
Renaud Lavoie: The Maple Leafs are one of teams that are interested in Vegas defenseman Colin Miller. Trade a strong possibility.
TSN Sports: Ray Ferraro thinks that Miller could be a like a right handed Jake Gardiner.
Joe Haggerty: Looking like Vegas intends to flip Miller to the Maple Leafs or someone else.
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There is lots of speculation that the Maple Leafs could trade for defenseman Colin Miller.
The Leafs are looking for defensemen and the 24-year old Miller fits what they are looking for. The right handed defenseman carries a $1 million cap hit next year before becoming a RFA.
Kyle Dubas was the GM in Sault Ste. Marie when Miller was there.