- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Scouting sources are convinced the Coyotes will draft Dylan Strome. The Leafs will then have to decide on whether to draft Mitch Marner or Noah Hanifin.
“The Leafs need a defence going forward,” said a highly regarded scout. “And other than (Morgan) Rielly, who do they have? They need a player like Hanifin.”
Talk is Mike Babcock is pushing for Mark Hunter to be named their next GM. Other than Hunter, the only other way they have a GM in place by the draft is if they hire George McPhee.
When the Lightning were asking the Maple Leafs about Tomas Kaberle, the Leafs asked for Alex Killorn. The conversation was short.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray will look to deal Robin Lehner or Craig Anderson, though they haven’t ruled out having three goalies in camp. The Sens would like to get a top-six forward, but that type of deal might have to get bigger.
“(It) depends on who it is,” said one league executive. “It’s always hard to move a goalie given (the fact) that there are only 58 places to put them.”
Teams looking for a goalie …
Sharks – GM Doug Wilson can be hard to deal with and is known for being a terrible tire-kicker. They may be more interested in Anderson than Lehner as he’s more proven. Garrioch is sort of kidding with the idea of the Sharks offering up Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau.
Sabres – GM Tim Murray was with the Senators when they drafted Lehner. They have the draft picks to make a deal happen.
Oilers – They have already talked to the Senators.
Maybe, Maybe not …
Stars – Their hands may be tied with three more year of Kari Lehtonen at $5.9 million. They’d be interested in Lehner, but it wouldn’t be an easy deal to make.
Blues – Jake Allen may need more time and Brian Elliott isn’t going anywhere.
Maple Leafs – They have James Reimer under contract for one more year and Jonathan Bernier is a RFA. The Leafs should be able to get something for Reimer. Doubtful the Senators and Leafs would do a deal.
Other goalie that could be available: Cam Talbot, Cam Ward, Antti Niemi, Brian Elliott and Eddie Lack.
