TSN: Bob McKenzie notes that Dion Phaneuf has been shadowing Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan for the past few days.
“Now, I should point out. Dion has not officially retired from hockey, he would like another opportunity somewhere but the reason he is in Toronto is simply to get a look at the business of hockey and he reached out to Brendan Shanahan, asked if he could come in, get a feel for what the whole Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment operation off the ice is all about. That’s what he’s been doing.”
Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently without defenseman Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin. Adding a veteran defenseman who can eat some minutes and chip in offensively may be needed.
Some potential trade options for the Maple Leafs.
T.J. Brodie or Travis Hamonic – Calgary Flames – The Leafs and Flames previously talked about Brodie and he would have been a Maple Leaf already if Nazem Kadri hadn’t nixed the deal. Kasperi Kapanen or Jeremy Bracco could interest the Flames.
Brenden Dillon – San Jose Sharks – Pending UFA who has size and a physical edge. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reported the Sharks could be looking for a 2nd round pick and a prospect. Jeremy Bracco?
Alec Martinez – Los Angeles Kings – A $4 million cap hit and is under contract for one more year.
Nikita Zadorov or Ian Cole – Colorado Avalanche – Both can eat minutes and come with a manageable salary cap hit. Avs GM Joe Sakic may not want to mess with their blue line though. If the Avs look to acquire a top-four defenseman elsewhere, it might push someone out.
Zach Bogosian – Buffalo Sabres – Carries a $5.14 million salary cap hit and the Sabres may have to retain salary.
Darren Dreger: The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the teams that have inquired about New York Rangers’ goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. The price is high.
Darren Dreger: If the Rangers keep winning they may end up changing the plan of trading some keep pieces.
Leafs PR: Toronto Maple Leafs forward was assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on a conditioning loan.
TSN: Darren Dreger says the Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a top-six winger and could be eyeing the Leafs.
Dreger: And the Battle of Alberta may drift off the ice as well because the Edmonton Oilers are also looking for a top-six forward. Not sure about the Flames but I believe the Edmonton Oilers are going to pay close attention to what happens with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Again, speculation around the likes of , , maybe Alex Kerfoot. And another team to watch? The Minnesota Wild. I’m told that Bill Guerin is open for business and part of the trade bait list could include veteran defenceman Mathew Dumba.