A roundup of recent news involving the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Oilers and Senators.
Will Nathan Horton ever suit up for the Maple Leafs?
SPORTSNET: Winger Nathan Horton, acquired in February by the Toronto Maple Leafs in a trade sending David Clarkson to Columbus, is holding out hope of continuing his NHL career. Horton’s been sidelined since April 2014 by a degenerative back injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That could create salary-cap difficulties for the Leafs if they spend close to the cap and he comes off long-term injured reserve. For now, however, that seems a remote possibility. Horton has decided against back surgery which would spell the end of his career.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens winger and former Anaheim Duck Devante Smith-Pelly got into a flap with some Ducks fans on Twitter for posting a smiley emoticon following his former team’s recent playoff elimination.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ducks fans should be more concerned about how their club is going to overcome their recent Game 7 jinx than anything one of their former players has to say.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kelowna Rockets forward and Oilers prospect Leon Draisaitl was named MVP of the 2015 Memorial Cup. The Rockets fell to the Oshawa General 2-1 in the Final.
OTTAWA SUN: It appears coach Luke Richardson, subject of some NHL coaching hire rumors, will remain as bench boss of the Senators AHL farm team in Binghamton.
Dont think the Leafs will vbe anywhere near the cap by the start of the regular season, even if they dont move Phaneuf or Kessel, cant see many other core players remaining, wouldnt be surprised to see tthem possibly buy out Lupul or Robidas if they cant move them, Bozak will be a goner 1 goalie wont be back as well Id be willing to bet….one way or another their roster will be purged of some salary. Not saying the return will be anything good just that I dont see 3-6 players there now returning in order to get roster spots and cap space for younger players. Either way Horton stays on IR or returns playing Id rather have Horton over Clarkson, its a win win. Best of luck to him.
because i generally agree with your judgement shticky, what do you think of these ideas.
ok i’ll try this.
kessel, reimer and biggs to
winnipeg for myers and two firsts 2015
phaneuf and bozak to
carolina for semin and the fifth overall
kadri and bernier to
sanjose for the 9th pick and hertl
JVR to
NJ for sixth and gelinas
jake gardiner, Finn, pick number 24 to
calgary for pick number 15 and three second rounders
I cant see Winnipeg giving up Myers, and I dont think Kessel would get 2firsts on his own with the contract…I like Kessel dont get me wrong but thats a huge overpay.
I just hate the Carolina deal Semin is a deal breaker. Phaneuf just isnt that bad.
Kadri isnt going anywhere unless its a huge overpay, Hunter loves him.
JVR to NJ is close n8t sure about Gelinas that may be a bit too steep with the pick
but close imo
Calgary isnt giving up all those picks for a prospect and Gardiner, no way.