Latest on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings in your NHL rumor mill.
QUESTIONS FOR THE LEAFS
Does Joffrey Lupul still have a future with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
TSN.CA: Kristen Shilton lists five questions facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in August. Regarding oft-injured winger Joffrey Lupul, she wonders if they’ll ride out the remaining two years of his contract, package him in a trade, buy him out or attempt to put him on LTIR. She speculates sticking with Lupul could be their best option.
There’s been nothing new to report regarding talk last week the Leafs were finalizing contract talks with unrestricted free agent goaltender Jhonas Enroth. If talks stalled because of last week’s report, they could pick them up again soon or perhaps they’re looking at another option.
Shilton notes the Leafs are among the clubs linked to left wing prospect and pending UFA Jimmy Vesey, reports they are still believed somewhat interested in UFA defenseman Kris Russell and wonders if the club might buy out a veteran such as Brooks Laich or Milan Michalek to free up additional salary-cap space.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: We can’t dismiss the possibility they could find a trade partner for Lupul. Over the last couple of years, the Leafs managed to ship out players with hefty contracts deemed untradeable. However, his injury history is a significant stumbling block. Rival teams will want to see how he performs this season before taking a chance on him. If Lupul can stay healthy and productive, perhaps a rival club chasing a playoff berth could be interested. Lupul is reportedly healthy and keen to return to action, so I doubt the Leafs will bury him in the minors or put him on injured reserve for the season and tell him not to report. They got away with that with Stephane Robidas, but I doubt Lupul will be as accommodating.
As for Enroth, that could be something that gets announced any day, or it could turn out to be erroneous. We’ll just have to wait and see. At this time of year, getting info from a team’s management isn’t easy. Now that all this summer’s arbitration cases are settled, we can expect the Vesey speculation to increase between now and Aug. 15. Recent reports claim the Leafs made no offers to Russell and have no interest in him.
UPDATE ON THE RED WINGS.
MLIVE.COM: Brendan Savage recently noted Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland’s wish to add a top-four defenseman, but wonders if the Wings have the assets to land that blueliner. He points out Holland wants to give the Wings younger players, such as Dylan Larkin, Danny DeKeyser, Petr Mrazek, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Mantha and prospects Tyler Bertuzzi, Evgeny Svechnikov and Tomas Nosek, time to develop. The Wings GM said his search could stretch into training camp or up until next season’s trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wings have the assets to land a top-four defenseman, but I don’t think Holland is keen to sacrifice his future. Earlier this summer, it was claimed the St. Louis Blues set Dylan Larkin as part of their asking price for Kevin Shattenkirk. Holland won’t give up Larkin for love or money. I think the Wings GM will be patient and see how things develop during training camp or throughout the season. More blueliners could become available, or perhaps a team willing to part with a top-four defenseman could lower the asking price, especially if that player is eligible next summer for UFA status.
Vermette, at the right price, would be a great signing for the Bruins especially if they don’t sign Vesey. It would give them the flexibility to put Backes on the wing with Bergeron & Marchand full time with Vermette filling in the 3C role. Even if Vesey is signed, having Vermette would give them the luxury of being able to package Krejci in a deal for a top dman with Backes sliding to 2C and Vermette at 3C
Hackerty has no clue
What about Spooner? If the B’s land Vesey i could see them moving Spooner in a package for shattenkirk or Fowler. Then signing vermette in that 3rd c spot.
Spooner is a proven NHLer, Vesey isn’t yet. The team that signs Vesey shouldn’t over react until they see what Vesey can do at the NHL level. We have seen young players look great in junior and in college and not able to bring that to the NHL.
Spooner won’t get you a real defenseman.
Bill, he never said that. He only said Spooner in a package. Not just him
Krejci, Bergeron, Spooner. That’s your top 3. Backes has to play RW as it is until an injury or trade opens a C spot. Krejci could play LW as he did early in his career & he may not be ready to start the season or any where near full; speed if he is & Vermette has also played LW. Numerous teams dress C’s as wingers. SJ being a great example. Pavelski playing RW with Thornton or Marleau playing LW with Couture. Allows for great face off options & should Boston be unsuccessful in signing Vesey, Vermette would be a solid acquisition to help flush out the roster as a #2/3 LW who can slide to C yet still take draws to his good side even if deployed as a winger.
If the Leafs were to want and sign Vesey something has to give in the wing, there are simply to many guys who play wing to try and shoe horn another one in JVR Komarov Martin Michalek likely Nylander Greening Marner Rychel Levio Kapanen Lupul…:something has to give one way or another with or likely without Vesey.
If Lamoriello finds a taker for Lupul – regardless of what they have to hold back/take in return – for the remaining 2 years of his contract, he should be the automatic front-runner for GM of the year.
It’s probably more than what they have to take back to get rid of him more like what they got to give up with him to get rid of him like Bickle Teraveinan deal the Hawks had to do with the Canes
Maybe a team like the Yotes would have some interest in prospects like Greenaway or Brown to give up a third or 4th round pick for Lupul not saying this to overvalue anyone just saying I don’t see the Leafs really wanting to take a contract back it could be adjusted accordingly
The Yotes are currently holding Pronger 4.921, Datsyuk 7.5 Ribeiro 1.44, and Vermette 1.25. with only 9 million in cap space, and 8 forwards signed. I suppose they could bring in Strome and a few other cheap guys, but I can’t see them taking on another dead contract at this point.
Was just an example Possibly the Leafs hold a touch of salary and give him up with a prospect to a younger team…pretty sure people didn’t think the Hurricanes had much interest in Bickel either a team with some space might take Lupul on if there was something in it. I have had this same argument before with Bickel
The BIG difference being Bickell – while costing a fair bundle – isn’t always one step away from the IR, so at least Carolina is reasonably certain they’ll have a warm body to ice. Lupul on the other hand …
I’d say the biggest difference George is that Bickell is an AHL level talent who played almost as many NHL games as Lupul last year and is lucky to put up 20 points in the nhl making 4.5 mill this year, yes Lupul is an injury waiting to happen but is twice the player
Actually George Over the past 3 seasons (2 out of 3 has more NHL gp) lupu has played in more NHL games than Bickell has, put up 42 goals to Bickells 25 and 75 points to Bickells 45 so I’m not sure I see you’re point Bickell makes 4.5 mill this year Lupul is 5.25 this and 3.75 next…both are awful contracts aside for the fact Bickells is over this year I’d say his is worse I don’t see much of a difference at all.
If all you’re looking for is a warm body to put on the ice there is cheaper than 4.5 million dollar bodies…honestly kind of a ridiculous way of looking at things
I see you’ve started taking your snarky pills again. There’s nothing “ridiculous” at all about the comparison, and I don’t know where you got your stats but over the past 3 seasons Bickell has at least played in more games than Lupul – 72gp last year (NHL/AHL), 80gp the year before and 59 gp 3 years ago for a total of 211.
Lupul played 46 last year, 55 the year before and 69 3 years ago for a total of 170.
I’d rather not have either one of them – but if I HAD to choose one, it would Bickell for the simple reason he’s marginally cheaper and is a better bet to remain in the line-up than Lupul. Face it, Joffrey is the last of a string of stupid signings by the Leafs.
George he played in the AHL last year…a 4.5 mill Ahler I’m talking NHL games Lupul played more last year and more 2 years ago so out of the past 3 seasons Bickell has played less than Lupul it’s ridiculous to say at least he’s a warm body every team has an AHL affiliate to get warm bodies from that don’t cost 4.5 mill and if you are looking at things clearly I’d think I’d rather take the player who produces more points goals and assists (nearly double) over the past 3 seasons despite what you’re saying. Warm body or double the points???? Hmmm decisions decsions…. a ridiculous argument. I’m not saying Lupul is what every team needs or anything so stupid I’m saying if guys like Bickell (4.5 mill) can be moved by throwing in prospects a team may take a shot a guy like Lupul (5.25 mill)
Then keep telling yourself that by all means. I KNOW he played 47 games in the AHL last year. My only point was he DID play – you can be injured in the AHL you know – and when you add up the games he’s played in over 3 seasons he’s ahead of Lupul. What does that add up to? Eff-all. The bottom line is, he’s 2 years younger than Lupul and over the course of his career has at least been a reliable body. Lupul is anything BUT reliable – and for a variety of reasons. I repeat, I wouldn’t want either one of them and in the final analysis I just don’t see another dumb GM taking on Lupul’s cap hit.
Lol if there is such a thing as snarky pills George I think you must have been one of the early test subjects….look how well they worked!
I have yet to refer to you as “ridiculous” – until now. If you want t re-start a flame war then be prepared.
What are you goys? 12? Grow up, pathetic.
Again of all it took to make over 4 million bucks was be reliable and don’t get hurt as much as Lupul I’d suggest that 99% of the NHL would be making 4.5 millIm not saying GMs are going to be throwing themselves at the idea of getting Lupul same as they weren’t at Bickell I’m saying maybe they might be interested in something else that could be picked up for next to no cost of they accept Lupul same as Bickell same as Bernier same as a lot of others you said there isn’t a GM dumb enough…
Whatever Ron why not call them them the Soilers again or Dim Jim Mr. Maturity lol
Look who’s talking Jull. Your endless repetitive rants about “Dim Jim” borders on the definition of insanity.
And just to be clear even tho we sometimes get a lil worked up its 2 older guys passionate about hockey I like George and respect his opinion it is the same back and forth type banter we have had here for some time.
I’ll wait until I’m a little more drunk to pick a fight with all 3 of you! Give me an hour!!!!!
I kid, I kid!
I’ll likely be passed out by then did 18 holes this afternoon and at least 9 or 10 pints not as young as I used to be… lol
At least if Lupul gets injured you put him on the IR and make some moves
I’m jealous! I can’t golf in the summer with the summers we’ve been having the last 3 years. Anything over 85 and I’m done!
Lol, now my posts are awaiting moderation. Lyle knows my drunk posts need to be monitored!!!!
Actually, you only had one post awaiting moderation, and that was because you misspelled your name “Nyr4lifr”. It was picking up your post as a new commentator.
See Lyle. I should be monitored at all times! LOL! As it turns out I was already drunk! Cheers Lyle.
I see the Leafs standing pat leading into training camp – save signing a back up not named Sparks and trying to land Vesey.
Should they be signing a veteran dman? I think they should; but there is a lot of talent on the back end that needs to play and be assessed before making those changes. Not saying they pan out, but then again they could.
Up front, a top 6 of Bozak, Kari, JVR, Nylander, Michalek and Lupul may not be lighting my house on fire, but it buys time for youngsters to further develop for another sell off at the deadline (Laich, Michael, Greening, Lupus I hope….). I see Matthews starting out on the third line for just those purposes. We know where he should be by the deadline.
At this point there is simply no reason to go making crazy additions. None at all.
At this point in the season as it stands currently… I doubt the Bruins are going after anyone not named Jimmy Vesey. Until the Vesey situation plays out and he has signed with a team, the Bruins will stand pat on making anymore moves.
Now… if the Bruins fail to land Vesey then I’m quite confident they look at making a few more moves before the start of the season. Whether that ends up being a trade or free agent signing, or even both.
The entire Vesey situation has put a lot of the league on standby. August 15th needs to happen yesterday.
Agree totally Chad. They don’t know what options they have until that is determined.
As I said before movement will pick up after Vesey signs.
It’s not going to matter with Lupes, he will be hurt before the end of the season, and will end up on IR anyway
love to see Vermette end up with the Rangers on a 1 year deal.
How about a trade for Wayne Simmonds on the Bruins? He’s your
right winger who can score, check, and fight. Your typical BRUIN. Why is it that Boston won’t give a black player a chance here in Boston?
Tony,
100% confident the reason Wayne Simmonds has not been traded to the Boston Bruins has nothing to do with him being a “black player”.
There have been plenty of reports over the last few seasons linking the Bruins to the Flyers and Simmonds name has popped up. The Flyers are not going to move Simmonds, who’s been a consistent and reliable top 6 winger for them and is only 27 years old unless the package the Bruins offer is too good to pass up. They’re not in a position to have to move the player either… he’s on a very team friendly deal and has 2 more seasons after this one for a little under $4 mi.
Simmonds is your typical flyer. Big, strong, tough,works his butt off, can score.I cant see any team not wanting him.
The color statement is just ignorant.
Ridiculous statement. I would LOVE to have Simmonds in the black & gold. It takes two teams to make a trade and I can guarantee you the only reason Simmonds isn’t in Boston is because of Philly, not the color of his skin. It’s 2016, wake up.
Willie O’Ree – 1st Black NHL Player
Anson Carter
Jerome Iginla
Malcolm Subban
Just to mention a few black players who have played for the Bruins
Check your facts before you accuse the Bruins of being racist.
Tony McKegney ever play in Boston? I know he did a year in Hershey after getting drafted from here in Kingston can’t remember…him or Ken Linseman my 2 favourite Kingston Canadians from back in the day
The “Rat.” Now there was a player you loved to hate if you were a fan of another team – but would take on yours in a heartbeat. Much like Marchand.
Tony, do some research on the subject.
Google Willie O’Ree.
Cmon man!!!! I’d almost let this slide if we were talking about North Carolina, Nashville, Etc. but Boston? Give your head a big fat shake! Hasn’t the race card been played to death enough already?
Nashville ? And the others ?
Not as backwards as you think.
That all likely goes back the days when the Red Sox were the LAST MLB franchise to play a black player – Pumpsie Green – and that did not happen until 1959.
Bruins have nothing Flyers need that wouldnt put them over the cap. Doubt Simmonds goes anywhere, let alone Boston.
Ron Jull,
Bruins farm system is quite stacked at the moment and ranked towards the top in the NHL… What do you mean they have nothing that the Flyers need? Doesn’t have to be a current roster player under a big contract.
Bruins have plenty of pieces… People need to stop discounting the assets that Boston has. They have quite a few prospects that will be turning heads even as soon as this season…
Agree Chad, that is why I don’t think you will see the Vermette rumor happen. Griffin, Vatrano will get plenty of time to prove themselves this year. Pastrnak will get more ice time and pehaps even Heinen by year end.
Too bad the D aren’t ready (Carlo maybe).
Mega trade proposal:
T Pleckanec,J Petry,D Desharnais,A Radulov,A Lekhonen,S Andrighetto,Z Fucale + 2nd rd pick 2017 + 1st rd pick 2018
For
G Landeskog, C Soderberg,M Duchene and T Barrie…
Even if this trade will never happenn(cap space will work)
Thoughts?
Why would Colorado do this? This is completely lopsided you must be a Montreal fan.
Here we go with the wishful-thinking syndrome again.
You must think Sakic is a complete idiot
So, Colorados be
st players for Montreals junk, seems fair.
@Tony,Here are some thoughts: Put the bong down, move out of your parents basement and get a job.
^^^ahahahhahaha
Are you 11?
It’s pretty rare to see a trade with 2 players like Duchene and Landeskog involved in the same deal….. Add in a Barrie? Yikers! This is beyond wishful thinking.
I just tried this trade in nhl 16, not only did they take away all my phones, an angry mob beat me with them repeatedly!!!
LOL, that is to funny!
3 of the Avs 4 best players for a rag tag bunch of mediocre to down right garbage players from the Habs? There’s not a 5 year old that wouldn’t think that was the worst trade for Colarado and instantly makes Montreal a cup contender.
Not to mention they just re-signed Barrie. But I’m sure it was for the old “sign and trade”. That happens a LOT!…..In the NBA anyway.
To get quality players you need to give quality, maybe salary work but if I’m Colorado why would I say yes to this proposal? I lose my no 2 defencement for a no 4, I give a a no 1 LW and no 1 center, for a no 3 center in Plek, a no 4 in Desharnais, 3 prospects and 2 picks. Radulov has to play a couple of game before we can put some value on him.
This deal helps the HABS but only hurts Colorado.
If you wish to get Duchesne or Landeskog you need to put Gally in hte deal.
Yhis is the kind of deal Dim Jim and the Vancouver media would offer…..our garbage for your stars….total Hab Lover deal.
“Dim Jim” – see comments above. Practice what you preach about “growing up.”
wow, this is just insane. I don’t even know where to start.
MONTREAL: Here, take all of our junk
COLORADO: Sure, these guys are sort of good at hockey!
Here is Ron once again exemplifying self control and maturity ?
You must be a Hab lover. You want to trade the turtleneck, a loser you just signed off the scrapheap, a trash defenceman and a couple of picks for 3 of Colorados best players?
No way this happens even if it didnt put Montreal way over the cap. You seem to be forgetting the Moronic GM is in Montreal, not Colorado.
Radulov is a big salary for a questionable return right now. I doubt any GM other than Bergevin would be happy with that gamble, so it is sort of pointless to include him in trade proposals. Never heard of that sort of sign and trade deal before.
An 11 player deal…. yeah….. they happen all the time lol
August 15th is the 2016’s 2nd First day of Free Agency.
;-0
Lyle,
What would you think about a tryout for Wisniewski in Detroit?
I don’t think Wisniewski is the type of d-man Holland has in mind.
After Wisniewski calling his hometown Detroit Red Wings a cheap organization i seriously doubt that Ken Holland wants any part of him.
I expect no news from the Leafs until after the Jimmey Vesey Sweeps are done. They are too near the limit for contracts to be adding another contract now.
August 16th, it may be easier to decide on whether they want another pro contract for a back-up goalie or how much they want to spend. The same is true for defensemen and especially forwards. I expect a bunch of teams are in the same boat when it comes to making final adjustments for the summer.
My take on Vesey
He wants to play in Boston
Management won’t be able to offer him a top six role. They will play the Julian card of “earn your ice time”.
He will go somewhere else that really wants him and offers him what ever he wants.
Maybe he will accept Boston’s terms or go somewhere that throws him in a top six without earning it.
I’m not saying Vesey signs in Boston but they could certainly offer him a top 6 role.
Marchand, Bergeron, Pastrnak.
Vesey, Krejci, Backes.
Belesky, Spooner, Hayes.
Vatrano, Acciari, Nash.
Spare. Rinaldo.