While on Sportsnet 590 The Fan this past Monday, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the Maple Leafs’ options and both weren’t sure what the Maple Leafs’ priorities are.
The belief might be that Dubas is thinking goalie and Marek notes: “This has to be job number one.” Friedman agreed but said they have multiple needs.
Travis Dermott and Justin Holl have been on the market for months, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Dermott is given a fresh start, regardless of what else happens in the next few days.
The Flames gave up the Florida Panthers’ 2022 second-round pick, a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick, which is a big haul for a player that expects to be more of a depth guy on the Flames roster.
Frank Seravalli wonders if the Flames have one more big move left in them prior to the deadline and mentions Sean Monahan’s name as a player that could be moved.
The Panthers still aim to try and land Claude Giroux if they can swing it.” If the Panthers add Giroux, they will go down as arguably the busiest team at this year’s deadline and the top contenders when all is said and done.
Philadelphia would likely be looking at Owen Tippett and if they determine they like Tippett more than most prospects, there could be a deal here between the Panthers and the Flyers.
Marek suggests the Oilers have been connected to the Columbus Blue Jackets in talks about Dean Kukan, but he’s of the opinion that deal probably won’t happen.
While the goalie market might be the most interesting storyline heading into the deadline, a couple of sources suggested they don’t believe Semyon Varlamov will be traded.
Jim Parsons is a senior THW freelance writer, part-time journalist and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps and breathes NHL news and rumors, while also writing features on the Edmonton Oilers.
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