Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Flyers and Maple Leafs were heavily after Nikita Zaitsev last summer, with the Flames, Kings and Canucks interested as well.
“If he’s not 100 per cent ready for the NHL,” one GM said, “he’s really close.”
The Coyotes, Red Wings and Oilers have recently scouted the free agent.
There were rumors of Roman Polak to the Kings, but those were shot down.
Nothing in imminent, but the Predators continue contract extension talks with Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones.
Dion Phaneuf was tied for the lead in minor penalties as of yesterday morning. He was 5th last year with 39. On scout said his organization didn’t pursue a Phaneuf trade because that reason.
The Fourth Period: The Maple Leafs are one of the more active teams on the trade front and are reportedly in on multiple trade talks.
The Leafs and Ducks are reportedly having significant talks involving a number of players. TFP could not confirm which players were being discussed.
The Lightning’s assistant GM Pat Verbeek was at last night’s Leafs-Stars game. The Red Wings and Canadiens each had two members of their management/scouting staff at the game.
The Leafs could be looking for a new No. 1 goalie. Among the Leafs that are available – Roman Polak, Joffrey Lupul, Tyler Bozak and Michael Grabner.
TFP reported back in September that the Leafs almost traded James van Riemsdyk to the Penguins before they made the Phil Kessel trade.
Sources are saying that several teams have asked the Leafs about van Riemsdyk, though it’s not known if the Leafs would be willing to trade him.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: McGran looking at which Maple Leafs could stay around for their rebuild.
Morgan Rielly – better than 90 percent.
Jake Gardiner, Dion Phaneuf, James van Riemsdyk and Scott Harrington – better than 75 percent.
Nazem Kadri, Tyler Bozak, Jonathan Bernier, James Reimer, Matt Hunwick and Nick Spaling – better than 50 percent. One of Bernier or Reimer could remain with the Leafs as Antoine Bibeau’s eventual backup. Hunwick and Spaling could net the Leafs draft picks or prospects over the next two trade deadlines.
Peter Holland, Leo Komarov, Shawn Matthias, Daniel Winnik, Frank Corrado and Martin Marincin – less than 50 percent. Holland is on thin ice with coach Mike Babcock. Komarov, Matthias and Winnik are trade deadline fodder.
Joffrey Lupul, Brad Boyes, Rich Clune, Michael Grabner, P-A Parenteau and Byron Froese – less than 25 percent. Lupul will most likely be traded sooner than later.