On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Bob McKenzie: The Maple Leafs put Brooks Laich on waivers.
Bob McKenzie: Laich is on regular waives and not unconditional waivers which allows the mutual termination of the contract.
Joshua Kloke of The Athletic: Brook Laich is hoping to get another shot at the NHL.
“You don’t win a Stanley Cup playing in the American League. If the Leafs don’t have a plan for me with them then I would like to pursue a Stanley Cup somewhere else,” he said on Sunday after Marlies practice.”
Laich wouldn’t say if he’s formally asked for a trade.
“My focus is still in this organization and playing for the Maple Leafs. The decision is up to them, but if they don’t see me in their plans going forward towards the playoffs then I would like the opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup with another organization.”
Laich has missed two months with an undisclosed injury, but he’s recently returned to the Toronto Marlies.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Pending free agent defenseman Brendan Smith would like to remain with the Red Wings, but he understands the business side of things.
The Red Wings are about to start their bye week and will decide if they will stand pat or if they will be sellers. Smith and fellow pending free agent Thomas Vanek will get trade interest.
“I only know Red Wings hockey, and I like it,” Smith said after Tuesday’s morning skate. “That’s all I can say. I’ve loved every moment here, good and bad. They have made me a better player. I would like to continue to stay on the Wing path, but there is a business, and you never know what happens.”
The Wings could get a good return for Smith. The Penguins are one team looking for defensemen.
“But really,” Smith said, “I am hoping to stick around and see how everything goes.
“I won’t really think about it too much. If something happens, my agent will let me know, or I will see it on social media. It’s all speculation.”
