As the trade deadline approaches lets take a quick look at where the Maple Leafs stand with their draft picks and some rumours swirling around the NHL.
L.A. Lariviere: Mike Bossy said that John Tavares hasn’t received a contract offer from the Islanders.
Arthur Staple: “Not to bring everyone down even further, but the trade market is so tight right now NSH had to coax a 37-year-old guy out of retirement to help them out. #Isles can’t just magically produce Tyson Barrie or Raanta or Brassard to fix this. Costs are astronomical.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Though Sharks GM Doug Wilson checked what the trade market had to offer after Joe Thornton went down a knee injury, he may not do much. The Sharks may not want to take on a salary that eats into their potential $20 plus million in cap space this summer. They may not want to give up their first-round pick this year, especially if it’s for a rental player.
Would the Winnipeg Jets be interested in a left-handed defenseman if they can find one that would play ahead of Toby Enstrom, Dmitry Kulikov and/or Josh Morrissey?
Are the Toronto Maple Leafs showcasing Kasperi Kapanen or giving him a legitimate shot to stay with the team?
The St. Louis Blues are deep on the right-side of their blue line. 24-year old, AHL All-Star Jordan Schmaltz is blocked. Could be a trade chip for the Blues at the deadline.
It’s expected that Slava Voynov will attempt to return to the NHL after the Olympics as his KHL contract has an out clause. Issues he’ll face are U.S. Immigration and a potential NHL suspension. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence charge back in 2015.
David Pagnotta: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Maple Leafs-Islanders game: New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Craig Custance: A light NHL schedule last night. 12 teams listed to attend last night’s Red Wings-Sharks game including two from the Maple Leafs and the Jets.
Adrian Dater: The Maple Leafs and the Islanders had two scouts each listed to attend last night’s Avs-Canucks game.
Pierre LeBrun: (replying to Mirtle) Think that the Maple Leafs have always been more interested in Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev over Gudbranson. doesn’t believe that Tanev is available though.
NY RANGERS LOOKING TO SELL SELL SELL…..
Arthur Staple: (responding to Brooks article) There are several Rangers players that would be perfect fits for the Islanders, but it’s hard to imagine the Rangers helping the Islanders for a playoff push even if the price is right.
Larry Brooks: (responding to Staple’s tweet) Hard to see the teams pulling off a big deal. The teams have never traded NHL players.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Have been told that regardless of where they sit in the standing, the Rangers will be looking to get younger – players already in the NHL or ones that are NHL ready. They’ll also be looking for draft picks. You may not get a franchise guy late in the first round, but you can get a good player.
The Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and maybe the Tampa Bay Lightning (after Ondrej Palat injury) could be fits for winger Rick Nash. All teams have the assets to acquire him. The Rangers should be able to get a first-round pick and a legit youngster for Nash. The Rangers can also retain salary.