Category Archives: Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leaf News and Rumors
Toronto Maple Leafs: Changes are in the offing, GM Dave Nonis says
As Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis wrapped up his season-ending news conference, there was only one player on the roster who received his unwavering support: Phil Kessel.
When he mentioned the names of others — such as pending unrestricted free agent Tyler Bozak and No. 1 goalie James Reimer — there was praise followed by a quick reminder that changes are in the offing.
The issue with Kessel is come July the Leafs will be able to offer their top forward a contract extension. He was asked if he would.
“I think this is the best stretch of hockey Phil Kessel has ever played,” said Nonis. “He’s — in my mind — one of the top players in the league. Would we look to extend Phil? Again, he has a year left on his contract, there is no urgency in getting him signed to an extension.
“Phil Kessel is going to be a good player in this league for a long time. If there is a deal that makes sense for both of us, then no question we’d look to bring him back for an extended period of time.”
As for Kessel’s centre and best friend — Bozak — Nonis was a tad less effusive in his praise.
Bozak tore his oblique muscle at the end of the season and ripped his triceps muscle during a faceoff in Game 5 and was missing for Games 6 and 7. He said he wants to return to Toronto.
What does Nonis think?
http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/05/16/toronto_maple_leafs_changes_are_in_the_offing_gm_dave_nonis_says.html
Connolly likely to be moved – He will be a healthy scratch for the Marlies today
Tim Connolly will be a healthy scratch to today’s 11 am #Marlies game. “My decision,” says Eakins. #leafs #nhl
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) April 3, 2013
Did Roberto Luongo refuse earlier deal with Maple Leafs?
Did Roberto Luongo give the thumbs down on a potential trade to the Maple Leafs last summer?
So says Sportsnet’s Doug MacLean, who claims Luongo refused to waive his no-trade at the time in the hopes that a deal was in the works that would have reunited him with the Florida Panthers, the team he broke into the NHL with.
According to MacLean, a tentative off-season deal for Luongo was in place at the time between the Leafs and Canucks.
Rumblings: Could Kiprusoff go to Toronto?
Interesting news Monday evening with a source confirming to ESPN.com that the Calgary Flames have given permission to the Toronto Maple Leafs to speak to Miikka Kiprusoff’s camp about a contract extension.
My TSN colleague Aaron Ward was first to report the news.
Kiprusoff has one more year on his deal next season, which pays only $1.5 million (although it counts $5.8 million against the salary cap), and the suspicion here is that the 36-year-old netminder would sign off on a trade to Toronto only if he can get another year out of it financially.
Leafs interested in Keith Yandle, Dmitri Kulikov and Jay Bouwmeester
Meanwhile the Leafs reportedly continue to look at bolstering their top four on the blue line. Names such as Keith Yandle, Dmitri Kulikov and Jay Bouwmeester have been linked to the Leafs in various web reports. Bouwmeester’s $6.6 million US ticket through 2014 seems a bit pricy.
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/01/is-leafs-bozak-headed-to-vancouver-for-luongo
Is Leafs’ Bozak headed to Vancouver for Luongo?
According to Vancouver Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman, the Luongo trade chatter is becoming more than just web scuttlebutt.
“Mike is in discussions with multiple teams … Talks are beyond the tire-kicking stage,” Gilman told the Vancouver media referring to Canucks general manager Mike Gillis.
Various reports from the left coast suggest Leafs centre Tyler Bozak is in the mix. Bozak will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
RUMOURS DU JOUR
The Leafs have been sniffing around the NHL’s goalie market and have held talks with the Canucks regarding Roberto Luongo. While Vancouver has always coveted centre Tyler Bozak to help shore up the middle, it will be interesting to see if this deal can get done. Getting Luongo would help the Leafs stabilize their goaltending for the next six years.
Luongo to the Leafs still a possibility
Simple facts are these. Leafs have talked to VAN this week about Luongo. Leafs have some interest. Price has dropped. That’s all for now.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) March 29, 2013
Vancouver needs to bulk up at centre — and Roberto Luongo is the only ace up general manager’s sleeve
This brings us back to Luongo. Years of suspect drafting and trading picks, by this regime and the one that preceded it, has left the Canucks without a bankroll of prospects from which to purchase help at the deadline.
They can’t afford to trade Nicklas Jensen or Brendan Gaunce or Frank Corrado or this year’s first-round pick. Who they can afford to lose is Luongo.
Are the Leafs interested in Kipper?
Don’t confuse interest with current trade talks or offers. Toronto would like to add a vet goalie. IF Kipper is avail, calls will be made.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 26, 2013
What the Leafs, Caps and Jets teams could do at the Trade Deadline
Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs are in the market for a center and possibly a defensemen. It’s possible they won’t have to add on defense if Jake Gardiner proves he can stick around this time and make a difference. But the Leafs definitely are thin at center and could use help there, especially if they want to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2004. One name being floated in Toronto is Mike Ribeiro, but it’s not clear what the Washington Capitals want to do with him. He is due to become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Another Luongo to the Leafs rumor
Bill Watters says on the NiteCap that he still believes that Roberto Luongo is still going to be a Maple Leaf.
— Josh Rimer (@JoshRimerHockey) March 21, 2013
The Maple Leafs have placed Mike Komisarek on waivers.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Mike Komisarek on waivers.
Nonis on trade deadline: “We’re going to be in the mix”
Nonis on trade deadline: “We’re going to be in the mix with a bunch of teams.” Buyer or seller? “Possibility of both.”
— Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) March 19, 2013
Maple Leafs’ Mikhail Grabovski in coach Randy Carlyle’s doghouse
For Randy Carlyle, the problems facing Mikhail Grabovski can’t be measured in numbers.
The struggling Maple Leafs centre found himself on the third line on Monday at practice, and though that could change before the Leafs entertain the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, it’s clear that Grabovski has some work to do to unleash himself from Carlyle’s doghouse.
And the quickest way for Grabovski to do that? Start putting forth a better effort.
Leafs interested in Ribero?
Corey Perry’s name is the name that has surfaced on talk surrounding the Leafs with regards to trade or off-season moves.
But another name making the rounds around the Leafs is Mike Ribeiro, a top-six centre.
