Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Believe that a Dion-Phaneuf for Mike Richards deal was seriously considered, with other pieces being involved. The Kings said no to any deal involving Tanner Pearson or Tyler Toffoli.
Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “I know Nonis is in the market for young roster guys, 22-25, to fit into the Leafs renovation.” “We know, Nonis has autonomy. He can make moves without going to Shanahan for clearance, but why do that?” “Before Nonis makes a deal I’m sure he’d run it by Shanahan. #1 because he respects him as a hockey man. Why wouldn’t you get input from all of your mgmt types?” “What doesn’t make sense here [Toronto], is keeping this group intact. Have to find a way to change the foundation”
Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 radio on the Stars, Ducks and Cody Franson.
“In terms of the interest and activity leading toward a trade, yeah, I think it’s there. And we’re going to hear more about Cody Franson and the interest that teams have in him in the days and weeks ahead. I mean, that’s obvious because he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. He’s a big defenceman. Right shot. All of those things.
“So I think Dallas would have some interest, absolutely. I think Anaheim has some interest. I think there are a lot of teams with interest in Cody Franson.”
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 radio linking the Ducks and Cody Franson.
Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Sources saying the Maple Leafs are getting plenty of trade offers. Can expect them to make some moves by the deadline, as the vultures are circling the team now. No Leafs player has a complete no-movement clause. Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli and Daniel Winnik will get interest. Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner could get some interest. The fan base would like to see Dion Phaneuf traded, but who would be interested in him and what could Brendan Shanahan get in return?
Darren Dreger on NHL Network: The Rangers are looking for a depth player, a centerman. Maple Leafs Mike Santorelli could be a good fit.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Leafs are getting lots of calls on James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Rielly, but they aren’t going anywhere. They might not get much action in Dion Phaneuf. “You’re going to have a pretty tough time moving that contract unless you’re willing to take back somebody else’s problem,” said an executive. It’s doubtful the Leafs could get anyone to trake David Clarkson’s contract.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: If the Maple Leafs want to trade Phil Kessel, there will be plenty of teams interested. James van Riemsdyk would be the easiest to trade. You can trade Dion Phaneuf, but you can’t get value for him. Summer will be the best time for the Leafs to make significant moves.Almost every junior hockey person that Simmons talks to insists that Mark Hunter will be the next GM of the Leafs. Simmons gets no indication from anyone that GM Dave Nonis could get fired.
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Five potential landing spots for Maple Leafs Dion Phaneuf and potential trade chips from those teams.Avalanche – Ryan O’Reilly, Joey Hishon, Nick Holden, Jamie McGinn
Ducks – Matt Beleskey, Devante Smith-Pelly, Nick Ritchie, Shea Theodore, Nick Sorensen
Kings – Mike Richards, Valentin Zykov, Nick Ebert, Brayden McNabb
Oilers – Nail Yakupov, Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, Bogdan Yakimov, Martin Marincin
Stars – Cody Eakin, Brett Ritchie, Radek Faksa, Jason Dickinson, John Klingberg, Jamie Oleksiak