Updates on Dion Phaneuf’s future with the Leafs plus speculation over what rosters decisions will be made by Leafs president Brendan Shanahan.
Is this Phaneuf’s final season in Toronto?
Is Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf unhappy that a rumored late-season trade to Detroit fell through?
SPORTSNET: Nick Kypreos believes among the reasons behind Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf’s frustration this season is that he was very upset over not being traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline. The rumored deal fell through because the Leafs apparently wanted the Wings to part with top prospect Anthony Mantha as part of the return for Phaneuf.
TORONTO SUN: Lance Hornby wonders if Saturday’s season-ending game against the Montreal Canadiens could be Phaneuf’s last with the Maple Leafs. Hornby claims the Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings were among the clubs with serious interest in Phaneuf leading up to the March trade deadline. He notes Phaneuf’s salary ($7 million annually for six more years) will make the blueliner difficult to move and could take some sacrifice on the Leafs part to facilitate a trade.
Shanahan facing big offseason decisions.
TORONTO SUN/TSN: Steve Simmons and Jonas Siegel believe Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan faces some major offseason decisions. Shanahan must decide if he’ll replace or retain general manager Dave Nonis, a new head coach will be hired, plus Shanahan and his front-office crew must gauge the trade market value of core players Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel, Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul. Simmons believes the Leafs will try to move Kessel despite his obvious offensive skills. Siegel wonders what type of return those core players can fetch in terms of prospects, draft picks and younger players. Simmons doubts there will be a “San Jose situation” with Phaneuf, as he’s a polarizing figure as team captain. If they decide they don’t want Phaneuf as captain, it means they don’t want him at all. Simmons also believes the Leafs could explore the trade value of winger James van Riemsdyk.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: While there are 14 non-playoff clubs facing questions about their respective futures, the Leafs will dominate the media (especially in Canada) from now through to October and the start of the 2015-16 season.
There’s no doubt in my mind Shanahan wants a major rebuild, and that means shipping out the expensive core players like Phaneuf, Kessel, Bozak, Lupul and maybe more. The difficulty is finding deals where they can get decent returns for those players. Yes, the Leafs managed to move David Clarkson and his supposedly untradeable contract, but they got lucky in that instance because the Columbus Blue Jackets approached them about taking on Nathan Horton’s dead contract space in exchange for Clarkson. It will take more than luck to trade away those expensive core players and get the type of returns upon which a proper rebuild can be established.
I’m not suggesting those players lack value or that the Leafs won’t get much, but they’re dealing from a position of weakness. Rival GMs will attempt to squeeze them into taking on lesser returns. The Leafs won’t get a top prospect like Anthony Mantha from the Red Wings. They will likely have to pick up part of the salaries of one or two of the expensive players they’re trying to move, or take back a shorter-term toxic contract.
I also think pretty much everyone on the roster except for Morgan Rielly and Willie Nylander are potential trade candidates. That doesn’t mean they’re trading away almost everyone, but they will entertain offers for guys like van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Bernier and Jake Gardiner. If there’s a solid return to be had for one of those guys, the Leafs could pull the trigger on a deal.
Shanahan and his management team (with or without Nonis) face a difficult summer, which will certainly keep the rumor mill churning throughout the offseason.
My guess would be that Nonis is retained. Regardless of who is GM, Shanahan will have final say. Nonis has experience and did a good job this year of turning expiring contracts into picks at the deadline, along with moving Clarkson. Nonis has made his fair share of errors, but every GM makes moves that they wish they could have back. What better option is there out there to replace Nonis, given that his replacement would be in the exact same situation as Nonis (no final decision making powers)?
Phaneuf should be moved. He is in a position that he cannot succeed in, and it is clearly taking its toll on him. I hope for his sake (and ours) that he is moved. The return isn’t going to be great, but starting fresh needs to be the primary objective. I would also move Kessel, but would expect a better return than they’ll get for Phaneuf. I don’t see Kessel being nearly the same player in 4-5 years when the Leafs are hopefully contending.
Lupul will be next to impossible to move, unless Toronto takes back a bad contract in return, which Lyle eluded to above.
I like Nonis’ draft picks as well, I don’t mind if he stays. My only problem is that (from most reports I’ve read) Nonis is asking “a lot” for Phanuef. Great that you want to maximize your return, but asking for too much could scare off potential buyers. Both parties need a fresh start and I’d hate to see a long drawn out divorce like Luongo and the Nucks.
With Phaneuf or Kessel for that ,atter what might be interesting is what if they added that Nashville 1st rou d pick to guys like that…would that maybe be enough to up their value significantly enough to help get a team like Detroit to give up 1 of its blue chip prospects added to a deal that they were previously unbending on throwing in a deal or would it be enough to move up signifcantly in the first round from the Preds first round to say the Sharks or Stars 1st along with some of their great young talent for a guy like Kessel?
Shicky you are so right. I would love to see the leafs pick up some defensive prospects in their trades and draft offence. Those of you who has ready my posts know I love Jaime oleckiak from Dallas. I would love to see him come to Toronto in a trade. The only untouchable on this team should be Reilly. Prospects who are untouchable should be nylander and maybe gautier. The rest can go. I’d love to see phaneuf in Dallas and Kessel go to San Jose. As long as there are picks and prospects coming back I’m good. With Kessel I’d love to see bernier go to San Jose too. Mueller and hertl involved if it is possible.
I would love to see as many prospects coming back as possible. Let’s do this full rebuild proper. Up to five year rebuild I’m game with. I’d still love to see Toronto trade with Columbus for some of their second rounders or Calgary. Draft blackwood in the second round if possible. I would love to see strome with their first first rounder. Klington with their second first rounder. If he is gone I really like meloche. I really think this kid is going to be great. I know I said no dmen but those are two I’d love to see us get with our second first.
Florida currently holds the 11th overall pick, it could be 10th by the time all is said and done. With the core Florida is building, I think they would be a perfect destination for Kessel. Flordia 1st in 15, Flordia 1st in 16 and prospect. If the Leafs can pick 4th, 10th/11th, and anywhere from 25/26 with the Nashville pick, that would be a great jumpstart to rebuild.
I agree. Their prospect pool is stocked too. I would rather Toronto move Kessel to Calgary or Columbus only because both teams have three second rounders. Not considering the cap, I’d love to get calgarys first and second rounders for Kessel. With Florida I’d like to move jvr there because they seem to be cap conscious. I don’t like phaneuf but I think teams know that oon the right team he will be invaluable. To use Detroit as an example, I don’t believe they will get mantha unless it is a one for one trade. I’d rather see a first and another prospect come back. By the looks of their defence maybe throw in Reimer lol
Am I reading that right?
2 firsts and a prospect for Kessel?
I think you are dreaming in technocolor.
There is no chance in hell that Toronto gets two first rounders for a toxic player like Kessel.
Alot of dreaming coming out of Leaf Nation. Should be fun to watch as it unfolds.
Totally agree – who in blazes is going to take Dion and that monster contract, all for a guy who isn’t worth it.
As for Clarkson, Columbus is a budget team that could not afford to pay a guy to sit on the sidelines, that’s why they approached Tronna about Horton for Clarkson. Stop giving the Leafs credit for that deal, they didn’t initate the conversation they just had to say yes.
make sure you read the fine print with the horton contract. the “dead” space many speak of has not been too kind to teams like Boston and Phila. Its not as easy as thinking the dollars just come off the cap. they are on the cap during the offseason and you can only use the money if you are right up against the ceiling.
it is a royal pain in the you know what.
Joe, you’re not thinking. The Leafs do not need cap space for their rebuild. When all the draft picks and prospects reach the end of their ELCs, that’s when they need cap space.
Phaneuf almost got traded. He still has value and can be a good addition to a team but he is a liability with the way Toronto is using him. I bet once the pressure and responsibilities on his shoulders are removed and you’ll see a more relaxed player having more fun and that’ll translate to better on ice performance.
Jeff, you’re the same kind of anti-Leaf fan who said Clarkson couldn’t be traded, Franson wouldn’t fetch a first, etc. Phaneuf was also untradeable according to you guys until the Leafs actually started shopping him before the deadline and that leaked out. Ditto Kessel.
LOL yes I did not think Clarkson could be traded. So did everyone else. Even those who thought he could be were surprised he was traded as deep down they knew the improbability of it happening. Yet in life anything can happen.
Don’t take my comment to mean I don’t think the Leafs will get some good deals out of their assets. They may and they may not. Kessel may only get what Spezza got in Ottawa. He may get more. Who knows. I can see it going either way.
Phaneuf we know their is interest in so he will likely be moved on but for what?
Kadri they will likely keep but are playing that card well as they are maintaining a position of strength by telling the rest of the league they don’t want to move him. So if they want him offer up something good.
My comment came after I read all the hopes and dreams from the posts above mine by leaf fans.
It is accurate. I was not being negative. There literally is a lot of dreaming being not right now. It will literally be interesting to see how it falls out.
I wish no ill will on the Leafs. Beyond that of a friendly rival. In fact I want the Leafs and the Sens back in the playoffs so my Sens can finally beat them and erase that blemish.
maybe you and george can take nice long walks together don’t get into any hissy fits
Agree 100%.
I think Nonis will be kept as well. Shanahan needs to have a say with this rebuild and hiring a new GM may prove difficult. Nonis is a Yes man right now.
Toronto needs a major rebuild. I wish they could first start with the Toronto media as it is made up of a-holes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if somehow Kessel finds his way back to Boston. Boston’s offense has been horrible this season and they could use a goal scorer. They have the assets to trade.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Phaneuf go to the Blue Jackets either.
Toronto needs to rebuild. There is no other way to get around this mess. Bring in a team of honest and humbled players that will show strong work ethic. Trade for lots of draft picks.
If they can trade Phaneuf, Kessel, and Kadri that should earn them three first round picks. This is a must.
As for coach. Paul McLean is a good idea. Kevin Dineen is also one to keep in mind as well as Peter DeBoer.
Dineen would be the surprising name that wouldnt surprise me with the way this front office is made up currently…agreed could be a guy to watch as a coaching candidate or at least as an assitant as Horacheks replacement. I get the feeling that if the Leafs dont get exactly who they want, say out of a couple candidates that are constantly brought up like Babcock Tippet or McLellan it will probably be a selection right off the board, like Dineen Blashill possibly Richardson. Not sure I see guys like Julien or Hichcock as fits under this management group. Tho I kinda feel similarly about Babcock (who I really cant see leaving Detroit for Toronto) even if he was available Im not sure how things seem to now be a collective process that he is a guy that fits that mould.
I think the question becomes what do you consider decent returns? Over the past several weeks there have been the stereotypical Leaf fan type proposals but I think if you really look at the posts most Leaf fans have been smart enough to know that these type 8f players and contracts wont be for everyone and would be pleased just to move on get what you can and start the rebuild…the majority of the issues come from others who come here daily to slag and piljelle on the Leafs and their fans by suggesting that the guys in quuestion have absoluetley no value. Comments like “a gm with an ounce of brains would not take…insert name here.” Or “why are we talking about the Leafs they are terrible team…” it leaves nothing for discussion its the same 2, 3 or 4 guys not Leaf fans,that litterally fill a page with nothing but the same thing over and over again…might aswell forget about it Lyle move on to the next topic, take a look back even Leaf fans dont really want to post on their own forums anymore, just let jello and George and the rest that have absolutely nothing to add to a conversation roll on…
j
Leafs news gets more attention than any other team. If you look at the amount of comments yesterday’s post received compared to any other team, any rational mind can understand why media, and websites such as this, consider Leafs news their bread and butter. It’s supply and demand. If people don’t want to hear about them, don’t leave 10+ posts talking about how much you hate them. It’s really simple.
Yeah and since Leaf news is bread and butter for the media the Toronto Management needs to start demanding more professionalism and respect from the personal doing the interviews. I’ve said this before but when I reporter ask a blatantly combative question or a question whose answer is obvious but they are trying to rile up a player that reporter should be banned and his employer asked to send someone with a bit more ethical standards of reporting.
Clean that mess up would be a great start.
No, what’s “simple” is the simple fact that if the Leafs were as good as, say, Chicago or Anaheim, they’d pop up in forums such as this – which doesn’t “favour” one team over another -about as often. Which is to say, rarely. But they’re not. They stink from top to bottom – and it’s that combined with their large and wishful-thinking fan base that keeps the pot boiling.
More great thoght provoking stuff George…bravo
George, honestly what team do you like? For the couple of weeks I’ve been paying attention to your comments all I can gather is that you dislike the Leafs. Thats all you talk about apparently.
Durtmchurtt, one good reason why I offer more OPINIONS on the Leafs – again, are we not all entitled to our OPINIONS and do we always have to agree with each other? – is because the Leafs are in the subject matter every day. And above I “simply” pointed out that one reason they are in the news is due to the lousy nature of their team. How often have we seen Anaheim and Chicago mentioned here? And John, every team can beat any other team over the course of 82 games. The question you should be asking is “if the Leafs can play that well against the hottest team in the league since mid-February (look it up). why don’t they do their fans a favour and play that well ALL the time?” As for Shticky, that sort of retort doesn’t warrant a reply.
if we stink and we beat you that must mean you stink more
wow leaf fans are being babies!! lol shticky and durt go on other fans hating on the leafs yet the leafs are 4th worst in the league?? I guess the truth hurts!! lyle you really should take shticky aside and tell him to please keep on topic and quit belittling people!
good one every time i talk to a sens fan they always bring up the leafs get over it laying hens
“laying hens???” How old are you? 12?
3 have you and jeff noel get over your little tiff
Well, those “hens” are clucking their way into the Stanley Cup playoffs after being 14 out in mid-February. Where were the Leafs then? Where are they now?
one problem only one team played them hard in that stretch nobody hit them hard
I think a lot will of talk will heat up after next Saturday if someone higher up in the standings win the lottery. If by chance the flyers won the McDavid derby, I can seen them offering a Schenn or Courtier with a bad contract to TO for Phaneuf. And this would apply to a lot of teams if the win the lottery-ie) Edmonton.
Flyer fan, I rarely watch Flyer’s games but i actually didn’t mind Schenn when he was here. I don’t know why, but Philly fans always seem to want to get rid of him. I think he’s overpaid but a good bottom pairing, hard hitting defenceman. I’d take him back with a little extra in a Phanuef deal any day.
Reading your comment again, I think you meant Brayden Schenn. My bad.
I think the flyers should continue to get rid of their dead weight contracts. Umburger vinny and grossmen should be turfed via trade if possible. They need to draft a goalie. I don’t think mason is good. The team is like Toronto in years past where they had some good players, very few prospects. This year should only be about getting picks for players and drafting. I have a feeling the flyers are just delaying an inevitable rebuild. They, like Toronto, have some players who could fetch great returns.
To me, I am a leafs fan but I do like the flyers.m I love their style and the players they have. Me issue is their defence is awful, they’ve paid out long term contracts to guys they should never have. If they can move almost their entire defence they will be lucky. Sign a couple of fas for a year or two and ride this year out. Draft draft draft. If they can’t get who they want with their first rounder trade back.
Sorry for the rant. I don’t know many flyers fans here in Calgary, I don’t get to talk about them often.
I stopped reading when you said you didn’t think Mason was a good goalie. Mason’s performance this year has been the 3rd best in Flyers history. If you take a good look at our defense this year, that’s quite a feat. He’s been unbelievable.
I agree with shipping out Grossmann, Vinny and Umberger but I can’t see it happening.
On an off note Flyer fan. Are you excited for Saturday? Your home boy is coming to town!!!!!! Go Sens Go
Hopefully Ottawa can win-and knock the Pens out of the playoffs, plus ensure Columbus picks after the Flyers
Why would you want Phaneuf?
We have 8 dmen already, and have the kids in the minors…they won’t be ready for at least another year, but you have to consider the future.
Both Schenn and Couturier, if traded, would bring back a better return than Phaneuf.
I also don’t see Hextall doing this, as he has stated he is looking to the future, and build from the kids and picks.
Not to mention that the salary would not work.
I think for the Leafs Nonis will be retained. He has done a pretty good job so far. Phaneuf should have a high asking price as he can be a very effective player in the league. He is overpaid by a little but but not a huge amount. If he was on a 5.5-6m/year contract he would be on a good contract (not great but good). He should command a fair bit. The difference between Phaneuf and Luongo situation is that Luongo’s contract was handcuffing his team and he was in a position where he wasn’t actually getting on the ice at all. Phaneuf can still play, still log 18-20 minutes with ease and be effective. He is more effective in a 3-4 slot where he can gamble a
and make the big hit every now and then. He should command a fair return for him.
The problem with the Leafs lies in the draft. The organization has been historically impatient with their prospect and tried to rush stuff for the quick bandaid fix. It seems like with Shanny now and the commitment to a full rebuild, they are finally taking the necessary steps to improve a team and construct a solid core. Look at Ottawa right now. Are they a cup contending team? no. Are they a team with vets? No, maybe 3 or 4 tops but they are a team loaded with young players who have some grit and integrity who bust their backsides every time they’re on the ice and who have a thirst to win. On top of it, over half of their roster was obtained through the draft!
It is critical that they get Caveman out of Toronto before the start of next year. Combine that with his 7mil cap hit and I could see the Leafs getting a weaker than expected return for him. After you sell off the leadership core, make sure you’ve got some good young guys in return with a few vets. Then sign whatever free agents there are on the trash heap that may have value come trade deadline day and put them in top line roles. This should ease the younger players into responsible roles and either you get a keeper out of free agents or a trade chip.
I respect what you said in much of your post, but I think you’re a prime example of the types of individuals that heap the blame on Phaneuf. Is he a top pairing d-man? Probably not, but he’s still a very effective player when put in the right situation. He was given the C, and he should not have been. He likely should have determined on his own that he wasn’t suited for the role and taken a pass, but it’s hard to blame a guy for accepting a position of leadership, even when they aren’t cut out for it.
Phaneuf is paid well, but his cap hit isn’t ridiculous – before long that will look like a reasonable number for a top 4 defenceman.
While I do not want Phaneuf to be the captain, and as a result a player on this team, I think he receives undue criticism and is painted as being an ineffective player, when he in fact is very effective when played in the proper role.
I’m seeing a lot of “Nonis did a good job this year” paired with “nonis is a yes man and shanahan has final say”. So which is it? Nonis couldn’t have done a good job if he really didn’t make any decisions. Anyone could make a phone call and then hang up and tell shanahan what was said.
Imo nonis has to go. Same situation as phaneuf. He may very well be good at his job but with the leafs he’s had to much of a bad track record and will always be linked to those bad moves. Just get rid of him for the sake of change.
I agree with you 110 percent Aki Nonis should go, Id rather follow similar to what Vancouver Calgary Tampa or Dallas has done with their GM position and hire a guy who is a little younger but has experience in a good system as an AGM maybe a guy like Maciver out of Chicago who has been surrounded by guys like the Bowmans.
There really isnt much point in keeping Nonis around as a yes man or a secretary, they need a guy with different vision, than what we have seen with Nonis and his predecessors. That or atleast a former GM that has had some sucess in laying a foundation on a rebuilding team.
Agreed. Everyone is all excited about a Babcock or Hitchcock type, honestly id rather have two guys willing to grow with a team rather then guys who expect playoffs rightwaway. I’m not sure who mentioned it but on the coaching front someone like blashill in Grand Rapids would be perfect. Has developed so many prospects into good nhlers. Would work wonders with a team like the leafs will have next year.
So yes in the same sense that it doesn’t make much sense for a rebuilding team to trade for a Thornton it might make more sense to bring in a gm or coach to grow as well.
with the inexperience shanny has with running an organization expect a few coaches before the leafs are respectable
Any thoughts on who is gone if the Bruins miss? I am curious about Lucic. I don’t think the B’s trade him, due to what he can potentially do. But I definitely feel like he’s part of the problem. He got really hot to end the season… which still won’t leave him with 20 goals. Two years ago, in the strike shortened season, he was on pace for 12 goals. He also won’t hit 100 PIM this season. Mind you, his hits are up, which is good.
It just seems he can dip into periods of serious apathy. Periods that might contribute to costing his team a playoff spot! (And there’d be no shortage of teams willing to trade great assets for him)
Ya Lucic is an interesting case. Because of the salary situation the Bruins are in I could see them taking calls on him. Possibly a team like Edmonton who thinks a big forward will solve their problems may over pay for him.
Teams who just miss out of the playoffs better be careful of over reacting. Unlike teams like Ottawa or Florida who may miss out teams like Boston and Pittsburgh are calling for peoples heads. When it is all said in done. Boston will end their season with 95-97 points. Pittsburgh can end with 96-100 pts.
Those are pretty successful season’s and if one of them ends with the lower number they best be weary of over reacting. After all the norm for the east to make the players is 93. The push in higher points which will see the Sens need 99 just to make it is thanks largely to the 3 of the 4 tanking teams are in the east. There is arguments to be made that a 4th eastern team is tanking.
When it is all said and done. The Bruins and Penguins dealt with considerable injuries throughout the season and still have 95 and 96 points. The Bruins cap issues are well documented and as far as I can tell have been handled well.
Time will tell but if I was managing either team I take a step back at season’s end if I missed out on the post season and realize 95-96 points is darn good season.
I think the bruins will keep lucic he seems to have some chemistry spooner and pastranik
LOL I had a brain cramp. It is just 3 of 5 who can be considered tanking. I think I was putting Arizona in the east. LOL.
I would argue that the leafs just suck lol. It’s pretty much the same team they went in with to start the season. But once they were out of playoffs they traded ufa’s. They are just plain terrible lol
Amazing so many great things happening in the NHL, play-offs outstanding plays and players and as usual attention given to the TO train wreck. What a bunch of narcistic media and fans. It just never stops …the nausaeting belief that only news about them matters. Is there a TML free zone in Canada.
Nope and nor should their be. As this is a rumour section and well right now the rumours are of Edmonton and Toronto while the rest are rumour free as they prepare for the stanley cup finals. Of coarse if Ottawa doesn’t make it they can join the rumour mill with the other two.
fred65….post of the day fred!! totally agree if the sens win that’s 5 Canadian teams in the playoffs but no lets talk about a team the finishes 4th last in the league… makes no sense!! if im a leaf fan the last thing I would wanna discuss is that embarrassing season
Thoughts on this trade proposal.
TOR gets Vinny L and L Schenn
Philly gets Dion P and 3rd
Vinny will be off books in 2 yrs and Schenn fills Dion’s spot for a lower cap hit.
Schenn’s contract is up at the end of next yr. Vinny for a few more but gives TOR center prospects time to develop.
Philly gets a Dman that plays a hard style and eats minutes. Could pair well with Shucltz. He’d replace Timonen and Coburn and the cap hit balances out this year if I am not mistaken.
Thoughts?
If the tade didnt involve the Leafs giving up a pick, its close, bbut I still think they could do a bit better, not a knock on Vinny (who I actually l would like in a top 6 role for a year or 2 and would consider in a deal ) or Schenn who I think could serve a role in a rebuild like Toronto….just think that there is a away to get a better return for Dion even if they had to take a contract back or hold some mondy.
cant see philly wanting phaneuf they have a few phaneufs on the team that don’t make 7 million a year
Any other team embarking on a rebuild and people would laugh that proposal away as Vinny is not in the age group a rebuild requires. It’s a decent hockey trade but shouldn’t happen. A rebuilding club should not be taking on players on the verge of retirement. Veterans are useful to a club such as that not retirees.
They will need some guys to play while picks and prospects develop Jeff guys who are signed with 2 and 3 years left on deals are fairly valuable guys Vinny has won a cup brings some expeirience and a decent attitude to show younger players…I dont like his contract exactly but if you put him in a familiar role like in the top 6 instead of a 4th liner, he maybe of value to a team like the Leafs who will be thin at center and wing if they trade Kessel and Bozak, same can be said of Luke Schenn if they move Phaneuf, somewhere you have to replace the bodies you are moving out and as long as they are not longterm deals, its a benefit. Not going to ice the Marlies and a bunch of 18 year old kids next year that would be a mistake.
I suppose but I’d rather have a guy later in his career but not retiring. It works well if the team is nearing the end of a rebuild like Florida is doing with Jagr but not at the beginning.
Haters will never stop hating. The leafs are FINALLY starting a rebuild, and they have made it clear that the no-show core of this team will be moved one way or another. Management should be getting praise for beginning the process, and recognizing that the team that was assembled before the deadline was one who would have not fallen far enough to garner a game changing prospect like strome or marner.
In terms of Lupul, take what you can get and move on. With all due respect, He needs to be with a more consistent team. Phaneuf and bozak will bring back picks or prospects, and could bring something of interest back if paired with Nashvilles 1st rounder. Kessel will bring back the most return, and the leafs should try to trade him for a young dman with size and skill, to ride shotgun with Reilly and gardiner. Next year will be about grooming strome/marner for the first line center roll, building the strength and confidence of the d corps, and allowing guys like brown, verhagee, valliev, johanssen, nylander(at least for the first half of the season) and leivo to mature one last year on the marlies.
Hopefully this translates to a culture change towards playing a winning brand of hockey, and leafs fans can take our paper bags off our heads this time of year.
Leafs 2016/2017
Jvr-strome/marner-nylander
Brown-kadri-?????
Panik-gauthier-?????
Biggs-holland-komorov
Reilly-granberg
Gardiner-Percy
Johanssen-valiev
?????
Bernier-sparks
Kessel + salary + 25th pick + B Prospect for NJ’s 1st pick (6th) + something… The reason: its leaf rumor day and NJ states that they want a winger as well as the fact that Lou has shown his willingness to sign expensive 1st line wingers in the past (kolvachuk/jagr/elias…)
I could see Dallas make a serious bid for Phaneuf, in addition I see him succeeding there with Dallas qualifying for SC playoffs
So I have to say with reading the comments here and with reading the article. Its seems as though most are saying that Phanuef has no value, So here’s my take : Phanuef while a polarizing figure here in T.O. I would say has value and if the reported value was the leafs take back a bad contract(most likely and aging overpaid player)and we give up Phanuef with nothing else in return. I would consider it nothing short of Hwy robbery.
To say that the leafs are dealing from a position of weakness would be partly true. Being a team at the bottom of the league I would say hurts his value some what, But doesn’t kill it. When you consider that he has contract with term, The leafs won’t be in a rush to move Phanuef just to move him and clear cap space. Something of value has to comeback with the bad contract.
So Mantha or Larkin would have to be part of the deal IMO. Or a 1st rd. pick or high pick + a good prospect. Keep in mind the leafs would be dealing within our division and also that Mantha or larkin haven’t played in the NHL yet. Despite what some fans and media say Phanuef has value around the league, He would be a good fit in Detroit just not for what they want. You have to give a little to get some back otherwise take a walk. While holding one to Phanuef is not the ideal situation in a rebuild (A 27th place will attest to that)The leafs won’t rush to un load him. So dealing from a position of weakness holds no water.