Toronto Maple Leafs: Weekly Trade Rumours Update

With the NHL trade deadline just over a month away, each week we will take a look at the latest trade rumours surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, as various sources will compile a list of links from around the rinks.

Toronto Defensemen Drawing Interest:

Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson (4) controls the puck behind his net against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Lightning 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Interest in the Maple Leafs defensemen has really picked up this week, as trade rumours revolving around upcoming UFA Cody Franson continue to persist in the rumour mill.

The most recent teams to inquire about Franson are the Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

The Stars are an intriguing rumour because they have been linked to both Franson and Dion Phaneuf. Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News believes that Stars’ general manager Jim Nill is in search of a “minute-munching defender with size.” Phaneuf and Franson would both fit that bill.

According to NicholsonHockey.com, Darren Dreger was on Toronto’s TSN 1050 Monday morning and shared the same sentiment as Heika.

“I think Dallas would have some interest, absolutely. I think Anaheim has some interest,” said Dreger. “I think there are a lot of teams with interest in Cody Franson.”

Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun believes that Franson is the most likely to be traded. Given all the buzz surrounding Franson, it is tough to disagree with Longley. At this point, it really seems like it is a matter of “when”, not “if”, Franson will be traded.

Aside from Franson, Eklund of hockeybuzz.com reports that the Kings are also rumoured to have interest in Stephane Robidas and Roman Polak. However, given the Kings need for a right-handed shot, Franson heading out west to Los Angeles seems more likely.

Another Maple Leafs defensemen drawing a buzz recently is Jake Gardiner. Eklund mentioned him as somebody the Kings are interested in as well, but is said to be “lower on the list”. He also goes on to say that the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in Gardiner.

Santorelli to the Big Apple?:

Darren Dreger on NHL Network believes that Mike Santorelli could be a good fit for the New York Rangers, according to NicholsonHockey.com. The Rangers are reportedly interested in adding depth, so Santorelli could be a versatile asset for the Rangers with his ability to play both centre and wing.

However, Eklund of hockey buzz.com believes that Toronto would ultimately like to keep Santorelli, but are unsure if it is possible still. He goes on to report that Calgary, St. Louis and Pittsburgh are among the teams who have interest in Santorelli.

Pens Interested in Winnik?

Oct 31, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Daniel Winnik (26) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

According to The Fourth Period, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford is reportedly in the market for another depth-scoring winger, a top-four defenseman and a bottom-six, two-way forward.

With those needs in mind, Darren Dreger says the Penguins are interested in Daniel Winnik and made an offer for him last week.

However, Dreger says the Leafs are not ready to part with Winnik though, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Rielly and JVR are Staying Put:

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there have been numerous inquiries about the availability of James van Riemsdyk and Morgan Rielly, “but neither of those guys are going anywhere.” I’d imagine that neither player is even considered to be available at this point, especially since both players have cap friendly contracts.

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings Involved in Serious Trade Discussions

Home/Toronto Maple Leafs