Latest Leaf rumors
Steen, Sundin, McCabe, Blake could be shopped
With the deteriorating play of the Maple Leafs over the past month, there have been increased calls for the team to be “blown up” and to shift focus to next year.
Accordingly, a number of interesting rumors have arisen of late.
Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press reports that Alex Steen is no longer considered an untouchable, and that the Leafs may try to move him before the trade deadline.
He states that the Leafs probably won’t get the value for Mats Sundin that they’re looking for. But if Steen is added to the deal, it would become a real nice package, which can allow the Leafs to get a front-line player and a couple of draft picks.
Lawless also suggests that Steen could be used to sweeten a deal involving Bryan McCabe.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/topstory/story/4107647p-4705384c.html
Regarding Sundin, Bob Mackenzie reports that Sundin will more than likely waive his no-trade clause and agree to be moved to a contender for the upcoming playoffs. Besides, Sundin could always resign with the Leafs in the summer, Mackenzie says.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=227365&hubname=nhl
Paul Hunter of the Star and Sean FitzGerald of the National Post are both reporting that John Ferguson Jr is trying to move Jason Blake. To his credit, Blake is doing his best to not allow the rumours to bother him.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/294068
http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html@id=241152
In the GM front, the Canadian Press reports that some of the more attractive options for the Leafs may have to be approached during the summer.
These include 3 current prominent GMS: Ken Holland of Detroit, Jim Rutherford of Carolina and Brian Burke of Anaheim.
All three would require permission from their respective NHL clubs for MLSE to talk to them, but probably not until June, and that’s if they’re interested.
Other potential candidates to replace Ferguson include Former New York Rangers GM Neil Smith, former Dallas Stars GM Doug Armstrong and former Leafs pro scout and Calgary Flames GM Craig Button.
NHL executive vice president Colin Campbell (my personal favorite if it’s not Holland or Rutherford) could be available, while former Leafs goalie and TV analyst Glenn Healy has repeatedly been linked to the Leafs GM post.
Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson is another name that is popping up.
My personal view is that the Leafs need to clean up their dysfunctional internal struggles among their ownership group and agree to give a top notch GM full autonomy to run the team. Otherwise, the Leafs are going to find it difficult to attract a reputable GM to replace Ferguson.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php@t=337947