NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Lightning
Vancouver Canucks Thomas Vanek and Anders Nilsson
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Chris Johnston: Coach Mike Babcock said that he’s been vocal about what he thinks the Maple Leafs should acquire before the trade deadline: “The people who need to know, know.”

Mark Masters: Babcock on their trade deadline approach: “We’re going to discuss this many times & we’re all going to have our opinion. I like to have a whole bunch of opinions too and then we end up at the same one. I like to have good debate, heated debate …”

On the Vancouver Canucks …

Rick Dhaliwal: (Wednesday) Thomas Vanek‘s agent was to be in Tampa yesterday. He said there was no update on Vanek’s situation with the Canucks: “all options are on the table including being traded by VAN and re-signing with the Canucks in the summer.”

Rick Dhaliwal: Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet that the Canucks are seeing if there is any trade market for goaltender Anders Nilsson. Nilsson’s agent Claude Lemieux: “I have not had any talks with the Canucks management.”

On the Tampa Bay Lightning …

Chris Nichols: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1200 on if the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking at the Ottawa Senators blue line, and what other options they could consider.

The Lightning have had a previous interest in Senators Cody Ceci.

“I think the Tampa Bay Lightning are doing their due diligence on any defenseman they perceive to be available. Ryan McDonagh with the New York Rangers – ‘Let’s go scout the Rangers, let’s talk to the Rangers and see what’s going on there.’ Cody Ceci and the Ottawa Senators – ‘Let’s find out what the price is, let’s do our due diligence and get information.’ Mike Green, a pending unrestricted free agent with the Detroit Red Wings – ‘Let’s look at what it might cost to get Mike Green.’”

believes the Lightning will make a “notable addition on the blueline” before the deadline.