Rumors VIII: Hope Smoke Edition – Maple Leafs and the Jets

Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN radio yesterday: “If Phaneuf, Kessel & all these guys who don’t appreciate answering these questions didn’t want to answer these questions then maybe they should have collectively worked harder & put themselves in a better playoff position & we wouldn’t be talking about it”  

“When trying to balance how deep you go into negotiation of trade w/ Lupul as the target, that has to be the main detractor, but, he played a hell of a game on Sat & GMs, scouts & to some degree pro scouts their memory can be short.” “They see the need they have as contending teams & the teams that are interested in Lupul are contenders.” “STL have always been that team that seems like a good for . I know that there’s been at least a little interest from STL”  “Whether that’s intensified now I can’t tell you. That 1 game might be enough to lure teams into taking a chance.” 

As of yesterday Leaf mgmt told me interest has been consistent but nothing the Leafs have been willing to work with at the moment” “Like Bozak or any of these players under contract, Lupul when healthy helps a lot & someone who helps your young players”

“I think you’re asking for both for Winnik ” “That type of scenario could land Wpg Winnik. Leafs have some interest in Burmistrov”  “There’d be intrigue b/c he’s a centreman & he’s matured as a player.” “If it’s Burmistrov then there would have to be a 3rd or a 2nd round pick that goes with it as well” “As of yesterday again, it’s just talk between Toronto & Winnipeg & that’s curious to me.”

“When you look at the West standings you see Wpg holding onto a wild card spot over Minny & CGY pushing hard it’s almost like WPG is unsure of itself. Not sure if it’s a playoff team.” “If that’s the case then I guess I can understand why Cheveldayoff doesn’t want to peddle away any more young assets or picks, but man that market is so starved for playoffs right now.” “If you’re in you do whatever you can to stay in & see what happens when you get there” “I still WPG as the prime & leading contender for Winnik & Burmistrov could be part of it”

Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN radio today: “It’s a tough one . He’s not a million dollar player either. If there’s a team w/ interest it’s contending team. If there’s a team that’s interested it’s bc of the experience he brings. But, man, he’s past his prime”

Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN radio today: “This is a case of Tallon recognizing that the deal just wasn’t going to get better” “I wonder if that won’t reset the expectation for Winnik at least a little bit.” “I think Winnik is a better player but how much better? We know Nonis wants at least 2 assets for Winnik” “Nonis may look at it from a diff perspective & say now that Bergeinheim is off the market both Wpg & Mon can’t get him anymore” “might up the market for Winnik”