On the Ottawa Senators …
Pierre LeBrun: In the past few days the Senators and Golden Knights did talk about a Marc Methot potential trade before he was moved to Dallas, though not sure how far along trade talks were.
Pierre LeBrun: Pending UFA defenseman Dmitry Kulikov played for Senators coach Guy Boucher in Drummondville (QMJHL). It wouldn’t be a surprise if the reached out to him during the interview period.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Michael Augello: Pierre LeBrun said that the Florida Panthers will likely be trying to trade defenseman Jason Demers. The Maple Leafs could be in on the right handed defenseman.
Bryan Hayes: Maple Leafs first round pick Timothy Liljegren said his plan is to spend another year developing before trying to make the jump to the NHL.
Boomer & Warrener: Elliotte Friedman on Travis Hamonic: “The #Leafs were definitely in. JVR came up. #Avs were in, but everything I’ve heard says they asked for an awful lot.”
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs lost out on defenseman Travis Hamonic as the Islanders decided to go with a first and two second round picks from the Flames over a first and James van Riemsdyk. The Islanders seem to value two second round picks over van Riemsdyk.
thinks some teams view van Riemsdyk as a top-six forward, others a complimentary player.
The Maple Leafs view van Riemsdyk as an asset they are okay with moving.
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: The Maple Leafs will look to acquire some a center and defenseman through trade or through free agency. The Leafs have about $14 million in salary cap space.
The Leafs could use a top-four defenseman and one that is a right handed shot. They Leafs had been looking at Travis Hamonic as well as Canucks Chris Tavev.
They could use a fourth-line center as Ben Smith is enough. Brian Boyle will likely be able to get more money elsewhere and could be looking to head back to Tampa.
The Leafs will also be in the market for a backup goalie.
“Right now we do not have a backup goaltender, and that’s a hole certainly we have to fill,” Lamoriello told reporters at the draft.
