Rumors and Videos: Maple Leafs and Sharks
  • James Mirtle: The Maple Leafs appear to be looking at 2015 draft prospect, defenseman Ivan Provorov.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle looks at Maple Leafs – who could remain with the team and who might not return for next season.

    Free Agents: Most of the big names were dealt at the deadline. They might look to bring David Booth back for cheap on a one year deal, and potentially flip him at next years trade deadline. Troy Bodie could be good long-term fit as the Marlies captain. Other free agents that are borderline NHLers: Trevor Smith, Joakim Lindstrom, Zach Sill, Eric Brewer, Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren.

    Players to trade: The Maple Leafs already have $53 million committed to their salary cap for next year. They could look to move the salaries and term of Joffrey Lupul and Tyler Bozak, even if they get little back. Both have three years left on their deals. Dion Phaneuf will have six years left. Moving those three would clear $16.5 million. They can hold off on moving Phil Kessel until his value bounces back. They can wait until the goalie market gets better for someone like Jonathan Bernier.

    Out the door: Phaneuf, Lupul and Bozak.

    If a good offer comes there way: Kessel, Bernier and James van Riemsdyk.

    The new group of core players: Morgan Rielly, Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner, Richard Panik, Peter Holland, William Nylander and their 2015 first round picks.

    Good veteran presence for now: Roman Polak, Leo Komarov, James Reimer and Stephane Robidas.

    Leafs projected roster for start of 2015-16:

    – Kadri – Kessel
    JVR – – Komarov
    Booth – Holland – Panik

    Rielly –
    Gardiner – Polak
    – Robidas

    Bernier
    Reimer

  • Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Sharks GM Doug Wilson on the Joe Thornton situation.

    “The conversation we had really resolved everything very quickly; emotions and things like that,” Wilson said following the second day of the NHL general managers meetings. “As I say, our relationship is at a really, really good place and that’s all that really matters.”

    “He said all the things that I needed to hear,” Wilson said. “He and I are at a great place. We’re focused on the game upcoming , which is a big game for us. It’s one of those things that just happens. But he’s a good man. He and I have had many colorful and creative conversations because we care so much. It’s just one of those situations. But we moved on probably two minutes after he called me. That’s where we’re at.”

    Thornton has two years left on his three year deal.

    “He and I have not only a contractual agreement but a handshake agreement,” Wilson said. “Joe is not going anywhere. Joe is a San Jose Shark. We talked this past summer about the direction we were going. He wants to be a part of it and he’s followed through on his end of the bargain. He’s played extremely well, taking great care of the kids, integrated them in. He’s a good man.”

  • Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos said that Thornton doesn’t deserve any blame for the comments made that were directed at Wilson.