On the Florida Panthers …
Pierre LeBrun: The Panthers are open to trading defenseman Jason Demers for the right price. Not surprising as he was left unprotected for the expansion draft.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch: Senators GM Pierre Dorion said that he and Vegas GM George McPhee were “never on the same page” in trade talks before the expansion draft.
Bruce Garrioch: GM Dorion said they will explore all options in on the trade market and in free agency.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Louis Jean: Have been told that the Maple Leafs are interested in Vegas defenseman Nate Schmidt. Would a 2nd round pick get him from Vegas?
Kevin McGran: Colin Miller to the Maple Leafs is a possibility. It would likely mean the end of Roman Polak in Toronto.
Kristen Shilton: Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello “wouldn’t discuss” if they’ve had talks with free agent defenseman Matt Hunwick. Lamoriello said he’s spoken with Brian Boyle but not about a future return.
Kristen Shilton: Lamoriello said that Joffrey Lupul failed his exit physical. He missed all of last season with an injury.
Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Nick Kypreos on Fan 590 on the Maple Leafs search for a defenseman.
“I would think that they believe there is a window for the next two or three years where they feel like they can win a Stanley Cup or certainly compete for one. And then it’ll get tricky with the long-term contracts and the commitments and how much Auston wants and Marner and Willy. They’ve got to go out and get that core defenceman yesterday. They’re on it. They’re looking.
There is a lot of talk about Colin Miller coming to Toronto and he’ll once again be a good serviceable player, but they can certainly look for a top-four. Vatanen might still be in play here. They need that type of guy and they know now the process has been sped up because of the fact that they’ve got their core now and look like they can compete for the next 5-10 years if you can keep them all together.”
