James Mirtle: The Maple Leafs have kicked tires on at least six UFAs so far including: Milan Michalek and Martin Brodeur.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It’s thought that the Red Wings and Maple Leafs are two teams that are interested in Joe Thornton. Thornton can basically pick and choose where he wants to end up if the Sharks really want to trade him. Teams are calling the Sharks about Patrick Marleau, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be moved.
There has been lots of controversy surrounding Patrick Sharp, on whether the Blackhawks are looking to move him or not. Sharp’s name is appearing all over the place, with several teams saying he’s available. The Blackhawks will need to move some cap space.
The Penguins have about $13 million in cap space with nine players to sign.
The Canadiens are trying to re-sign Mike Weaver. He could be looking for upwards of $2 million.
The Canucks, Flyers and Maple Leafs tried to trade up for the first overall pick. There was talk that Flyers were trying to package Luke Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier.
The Panthers could be targeting Dave Bolland.
The Canucks will look at Jonas Hiller and Ryan Miller.
The Wild have spoken with Thomas Vanek and Matt Niskanen.
Bruins Chris Kelly could be traded.
Upwards of 15 teams have called on Paul Stastny. The Avs want to re-sign, but the Blues, Predators, Maple Leafs and Red Wings could push hard for him.
James Mirtle: Leafs GM Dave Nonis: “There might be a few more deals that we can swing between now and free agency. But that was the most important one.” …. “I wouldn’t say that we’re set but [defence] was the one area we wanted to address and we feel like we did.”
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs interest in Martin Brodeur is curious, unless he’s fine with signing a deal in the $1 million range. The Leafs would also need to trade James Reimer. The Leafs have 11 players to sign and less than $20 million available. They need a top-six forward, a top-four defenseman and a new third line. The only way that Dave Bolland will be back is if he takes less than market value. Free agents that Simmons wouldn’t touch: Thomas Vanek, Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner, Brad Richards, Mike Ribeiro, Derek Roy, Lee Stempniak and David Booth.
Rob Longley: Leafs GM Dave Nonis on Nikolai Kulemin: “At this point, we haven’t traded any numbers with (his agent.)”