Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis on trade talks:
“There have definitely been more calls in the past week,” said Nonis on Tuesday evening, speaking from New York.
“No matter how many times you’ve talked on the phone, face time with your colleagues always seems to speed things up.”
Names that appear to be on the market: Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Ryan Kesler and Brad Stuart. The Leafs would like to do something with their roster.
“If a skilled veteran can help our team now, we’d consider it, sure,” said Nonis, who obviously is not allowed to publicly discuss specific players who are, at this time, property of another team. “Especially if it was someone who is able to help some of our young guys get better.
“But we’re not about to give away our future for that. A deal has to make sense for us for the future as it does for winning right now.
“There will be roster alterations, but they have to make sense. And that goes for trades too.”
Talk is that Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner could be moved for the right deal.
Matt Iaboni of MapleLeafs.com: Pending UFA Dave Bolland:
“I want to stay a Leaf but things always happen and being a UFA you have options to go out there and to explore the market but I want to be a Leaf,” Bolland said.
Bolland said he returned from his injury too soon last year.
“The ankle is doing great,” he said. “I had the time to let the ankle rest and also strengthen my leg and do physio that I had to do to get it better.”
Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Ducks are believed to be looking for a No. 2 center, and will be likely tied to three centers who are said to be available: Ryan Kesler, Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton. The Ducks have plenty of young assets. Spezza would be a nice fit as he only has a $4 million salary to go along with his $7 million cap hit. A package for Spezza would be similar to what the Ducks received from the Senators when they sent Bobby Ryan there: a first, a prospect and a player. The Ducks would likely prefer to trade their first round pick and not the one they received from the Senators. The cost to acquire Kesler would likely be similar to the it would cost to get Spezza. Acquiring Thornton would be a long-shot. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be a potential landing spot for Thornton. Leafs GM Dave Nonis would be fine with moving one of Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner in the right deal, but is Thornton the right deal?
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings have had interest in Cody Franzen in the past, but it’s unlike the Leafs would trade him to their division rivals. The Wings could inquire about Dustin Byfuglien, as well as Mike Green.
Darren Dreger: “There are some big names in play, no question. Kesler, Spezza, Thornton, Marleau & every market is going to try & connect the dots” … “I think the Leafs would be apprehensive on the package that it would take to acquire Thornton & you have to look at the salary cap” … “The Leafs are still looking for that top centre.” Dreger also notes that Thornton controls where he goes and the Maple Leafs are probably not an option.