Simon Benoit, Brandon Carlo, Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, Max Domi, Matias Maccelli, Anthony Stolarz and Troy Stecher are among the other Maple Leafs who could be on the move. Benoit, Jarnkrok and Stecher are widely believed to be relatively inexpensive on the seller’s market, while it’s likely that Robertson and Stolarz could command the greatest return among this cohort.
Toronto is looking to add to its under-25 player base, with Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan as the lone members of the next core. It could be a franchise-altering day for the Maple Leafs. Nick Richard, Alex Hobson and Arun Srinivasan will keep this blog populated with all the latest updates about the Maple Leafs.
11:41am ET: Frank Seravalli reports that the Minnesota Wild have made another addition, reuniting veteran Nick Foligno with his brother Marcus in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Wild have continued to load up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, but this move certainly takes them out of the running for Bobby McMann.
11:36am ET: Darren Dreger reports on TSN’s Tradecentre that the Detroit Red Wings have shown interest in Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but they have been unwilling to meet Toronto’s asking price to this point.
11:130am ET: Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reports that teams have been asking about Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen. The Flyers are in a similar position with Ristolainen as the Leafs are with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo, as he is under contract beyond this season, but it appears that both clubs are holding firm on their asking prices.
Teams still trying on Rasmus Ristolainen at this hour but Flyers are fine keeping him unless their price is met (has another year on his deal)
11:08am ET: Insider Frank Seravalli reports that the San Jose Sharks have signed Alex Nedeljkovic to a contract extension, taking a potential target off the goaltending market, and likely means the Sharks won’t be in the market for an upgrade at the position. Leafs netminder Anthony Stolarz has reportedly drawn interest from rival clubs.
#sjsharks announce an extension for Alex Nedeljkovic: 2 years x $3 million.
11:01am ET: Darren Dreger says on TSN’s Tradecentre that the Leafs have yet to receive an offer that would make them consider moving Oliver Ekman-Larsson, with Toronto’s recent ask from the Edmonton Oilers being first and second-round picks, along with a prospect. The Leafs will continue to hunt for offers on the veteran blueliner who is under contract for two years beyond this one, but it will take a significant package to pry him out of Toronto. Dreger also reiterates that the Leafs have moved on from the idea of a contract extension for Bobby McMann, and they are expected to move him today.
10:50am ET: Further to David Pagnotta’s earlier report, TSN’s Darren Dreger says that the Leafs are expected to deal Bobby McMann today. They have explored a contract extension, and it could be revisited if he makes it to free agency this summer, but as of now, the team prefers the package of draft picks they expect to get in return for the 29-year-old winger.
Unless there’s a sudden change, Toronto prefers the picks expected in trade return for McMann over an extension. Signing McMann back could be revisited in the summer.
10:24am ET: Pagnotta confirms that Minnesota has acquired Bobby Brink from Philadelphia in exchange for 22-year-old defender David Jiricek, a former first-round pick.
10:21am ET: Minnesota Wild beat writer Michael Russo of The Athletic reports that the Wild are closing in on a deal to acquire winger Bobby Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers. Brink is a young scoring winger with good speed, and his acquisition likely means you can cross off Minnesota as a potential destination for Bobby McMann.
Hearing the #mnwild are working toward a potential trade for Flyers forward Bobby Brink. Wonder if they’re dangling David Jiricek or a prospect of that ilk.
10:11am ET: The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reiterates that the Leafs will be active ahead of this afternoon’s deadline, with multiple teams showing interest in pending UFA Bobby McMann. He is expected to be moved today after failing to come to terms with the Leafs on a contract extension.
We know Toronto will be active today. Barring a change in the team’s current stance, the Maple Leafs are expected to trade Bobby McMann today. Multiple suitors in play.
9:48am ET: Along with the Maple Leafs, the St. Louis Blues are expected to be one of the most prominent sellers ahead of the deadline. Blues beat writer Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic provides an update on where things stand with a number of Blues players, including star centre Robert Thomas, who the Leafs have reportedly checked in on. If Thomas moves, it will have to be a massive deal, and it may have to wait until the offseason, at which time the Leafs should be better positioned to make a big acquisition. Beyond Thomas, the availability of Justin Faulk could impact the market for Leafs defenders Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo.
Some thoughts:
You’d expect the Blues to be busy, but it takes trade partners. Army’s prices have been high, but push comes to shove when this day finally comes.
— It’s been quiet on the Thomas front. A few teams could make a last-ditch effort, otherwise this is headed to the Show more
9:06am ET: Kevin Weekes of ESPN and NHL Network says the goalie market could be worth watching today, with Leafs netminder Anthony Stolarz among the names being discussed in potential trades. Stolarz currently counts for $2.5 million against the cap with a four-year, $15 million extension set to kick in on July 1st. With Stolarz and Woll both under contract, and Dennis Hildeby requiring waivers in order to be sent to the AHL next fall, the Leafs could be inclined to deal from a position of strength.
Early morning Rumblings ;
Per sources – Bobrovsky, Wallstedt, Ingram, Binnington, Stolarz and Skinner
have been discussed in different potential
trade scenarios. Goalie Market is intriguing.
#HockeyX
11:08pm ET (Thursday): David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that there is plenty of interest in Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Scott Laughton, with the Tampa Bay Lightning among the clubs that are poised to add to their roster.
Curious to see what, if anything, the #GoBolts pull out of their hats. They’re lurking. There’s chatter they’ve expressed interest in OEL & Laughton in Toronto – plenty of interest in both players.