Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors

Burke: Trade talks 'very quiet'
February 10
Toronto Sun
 
"Could the trade deadline on Feb. 27 come and go with no big moves made by Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke? It's a possibility. Not only have the Leafs been playing well enough to possibly convince Burke that a significant trade does not need to be made, it appears there simply is not a lot happening on the trade front. "It's very quiet," Burke told reporters in Detroit at the Winter Classic announcement. Burke is past his usual trading time. Two seasons ago, he got Dion Phaneuf on Jan. 31, and Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the trade that brought Joffrey Lupul from Anaheim. Burke still would like to make an improvement at forward. But he's not going to make a trade"
Maple Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn and his brother shrug off trade rumours
February 10
Toronto Star
 
"When Luke and Brayden Schenn sat down to dinner on Wednesday night with various members of the Maple Leafs and Flyers, they ate steak. But there was also something generally meatless on the evening's menu: The Saskatoon-born brothers spoke about the trade rumours that would have Luke, who currently plays for Leafs, being shipped to the Flyers, for whom Brayden plays forward. "(The Luke-to-Philly rumour) has obviously been tossed around for the past month and a bit," Brayden said. "It's hard to go around naive and don't read anything or hear anything or watch TV. You come to the rink the next day and there's going to be someone talking about it. Obviously (Luke's) name has been tossed out"
Will Philly take a Flyer on Schenn?
February 9
Toronto Sun
 
"Luke Schenn has a natural inclination to watch out for his kid brother Brayden. And while that task would be a lot easier if both were on the same bench for the Philadelphia Flyers, that's not quite the close proximity that Luke is thinking of right now. While gainfully employed by the Maple Leafs, there continues to be speculation Luke will somehow join Brayden in orange and black by the Feb. 27 trade deadline, if not elsewhere. Something with the Leafs and Flyers was cooking a few weeks ago for forward James van Riemsdyk, before the Flyer winger suffered a concussion. He remains out of their lineup, while Philly is still looking for depth on defence after losing Chris Pronger. For"
Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings to enjoy Winter Classic Week
February 9
Toronto Star
 
"It's not just a Winter Classic day. It's now a Winter Classic week. More details about what the NHL plans for its Jan. 1 outdoor game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings — perhaps the worst-kept secret in sports — are beginning to leak out. There'll be two news conferences, one at 10:30 a.m. at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, another at 1:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium, a.k.a. the Big House, where the league hopes the big game will draw upwards of 100,000 people. The league intends to draw on the population of Leaf Nation — the main reason a Canadian team has been invited to what has been an exclusively American event — to help reach its record crowd levels at the"
Reality check: Ryan Malone and the Maple Leafs trade rumour of the day
February 9
Toronto Star
 
"The Ryan Malone trade rumours are again starting to heat up and the Maple Leafs are among the teams that could be in the hunt. The much-sought after forward from the Tampa Bay Lightning could provide that nice healthy dose of the truculence that Leafs GM Brian Burke covets. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has been at several Toronto games. He's expected to decide soon whether to keep Malone. Los Angeles, Detroit and Vancouver are also rumoured to be targeting the winger. Tampa has a 6-1-1 record over the past eight games but remains 10 points out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. If they become sellers, Malone is expected to be jettisoned."
Regents OK $3 million lease of Michigan Stadium for Winter Classic: Leafs vs. Wings
February 9
Detroit News
 
"The University of Michigan is in final negotiations with the NHL to hold the Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Michigan Stadium on Jan. 1, 2013. Michigan stands to gain $3 million from the NHL lease to host the game between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at noon on New Year's Day. The NHL hopes to break the hockey attendance record of 104,173, set Dec. 11, 2010, when Michigan hosted Michigan State. Michigan's Board of Regents approved the proposal during a special meeting Wednesday morning that most regents attended via conference call. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said the contract, that he's been working on since November, should be finalized "soon.""
Reality check: Tuomo Ruutu and the Maple Leafs trade rumour of the day
February 8
Toronto Star
 
"Like most teams, the Maple Leafs could use a big, gritty forward, who can score. Tuomo Ruutu fits that peg nicely. With the Feb. 27 trade deadline fast approaching, the 28-year-old Carolina Hurricanes winger continues to be mentioned as a player, who could soon be on the move. In recent weeks, various Internet reports have the Leafs among the teams kicking the tires on the 6-foot, 205-pound physical centre/forward, who leads the Canes in goals with 16 this season."
Reality check: James van Riemsdyk and the Maple Leafs rumour of the day
February 4
Toronto Star
 
"There was a ton of speculation last month about the Maple Leafs being interested in forward James van Riemsdyk from the Philadelphia Flyers. Then the talk died down but according to the likes of TSN's Darren Dreger and ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, rumours persist that Leafs GM Brian Burke could take another run at the 22-year-old future star. The scuttlebutt last time was that the Leafs would have to ship defenceman Luke Schenn to the Flyers — and maybe more — in order to land the big power forward, who suffered a concussion earlier this month but is now skating although not yet cleared to practise. There's no doubt the Flyers need another solid defenceman with captain Chris Pronger gone for the"
Jeff Carter and the Maple Leafs trade rumour of the day
February 3
Toronto Star
 
"An unhappy Jeff Carter could fit nicely as the No. 1 centre that Brian Burke needs to make snipers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul even more effective as the team pushes for a playoff spot for the first time in four seasons. The Internet has been abuzz with rumours about Carter, 27, being targeted by the Leafs. In fact, his name seems to be linked to the Leafs every season. Then again, Carter also seems to be linked to just about every team looking for a top-line centre. According to The Columbus Dispatch, Carter's on the trade block just seven months after being acquired from the Flyers to fill their No. 1 centre hole. The Blue Jackets gave up plenty to get Carter, including young forward"
Grabovski's agent in town
February 2
Toronto Sun
 
"Gary Greenstin, the California-based agent for Mikhail Grabovski, is in town — and it's not to mark Groundhog Day. Amid heightened speculation of what the Maple Leafs will do with Grabovski, their red-hot impending unrestricted free agent centre, Greenstin could be here to talk about the same kind of extension the Leafs gave defenceman John-Michael Liles last week. Greenstin met the Leafs twice in Calgary during the world junior tournament. Asked if the visit with his clients (he also represents winger Nikolai Kulemin) would include a talk with general manager Brian Burke, Greenstin chose his words carefully. "You'll see," Greenstin said. "I usually don't make comments during negotiations."
Reality check: Leafs trade rumour of the day features Ryan Getzlaf
February 2
Toronto Star
 
"When Ducks GM Bob Murray announced a month ago that everyone on his team, excluding veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne, could be traded, it opened the floodgates for rumours involving his team's Big Three: forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry. It also lit a blazing fire a under the Ducks, who have recorded a 9-1-1 mark since the comments were made. With his club now 10 points out of a playoff spot, Murray may yet change his mind but speculation remains that the Ducks will be sellers as the NHL trade deadline nears. There are a number of teams being bandied about but with the Leafs expressing a need for a big, strong, playmaking centre, Getzlaf would seem a natural fit. For"
Leafs trade rumour of the day features Ryan Getzlaf
February 2
Toronto Star
 
"When Ducks GM Bob Murray announced a month ago that everyone on his team, excluding veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne, could be traded, it opened the floodgates for rumours involving his team's Big Three: forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry. It also lit a blazing fire a under the Ducks, who have recorded a 9-1-1 mark since the comments were made. With his club now 10 points out of a playoff spot, Murray may yet change his mind but speculation remains that the Ducks will be sellers as the NHL trade deadline nears."
Reality check: Rick Nash in Maple Leafs' trade rumour of the day
February 1
Toronto Star
 
"Rick Nash is heading to Toronto as part of a six-player deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Okay. Now we have your undivided attention. As of Tuesday, that proposal is just a rumour, one of many swirling around the Internet involving the Maple Leafs. That rumour took on a life of its own after AM 640 hockey analyst Bill Watters tweeted it on Monday as something to watch as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approached, with the proviso that it was "one to smoke on" and "not inhale." In the rumoured deal, forwards Mikhail Grabovski and Nazem Kadri, along with defencemen Luke Schenn and Mike Komisarek would be heading to the Blue Jackets. Also coming to Toronto with Nash, 27, would be forward"
Burke 'trying hard' to make a trade
January 27
Toronto Sun
 
"All eyes are on Brian Burke. Maybe that's because he's one of the few GMs who will actually be in Ottawa for this weekend's NHL all-star festivities, but with the trade deadline only 31 days away, everybody is waiting for Burke to make a move. "He's trying. He's trying hard. He definitely wants to get bigger," a league executive said Thursday. In a battle for one of the final two or three playoff spots with as many as six or seven teams in the Eastern Conference, the Maple Leafs want to get stronger. Burke would like Toronto to be more hard-nosed, especially up front. A guy on the Leafs' radar could be San Jose W Ryane Clowe. He has a cap hit of $3.625 million through next season, but the"
Leafs GM Brian Burke says club 'not close' to trading Mikhail Grabovski
January 26
Toronto Star
 
"Leafs centre Mikhail Grabovski's name has come up in trade talk quite a bit recently as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approaches. Leafs GM Brian Burke has heard those rumours, but Tuesday night in Long Island, where his club won 4-3 in overtime to pull into in a three-way tie for seventh place, Burke was downplaying talk of moving the unrestricted free agent. "We're not even close to that. That will be a factor, whether a guy is unrestricted or not, but I accept unrestricted guys, too, if they can help us get to where we want to get," Burke said."
Maple Leafs to face Red Wings in Winter Classic: Report
January 19
Toronto Star
 
"It appears the Maple Leafs will indeed play the Detroit Red Wings in next year's Winter Classic — a game the NHL hopes will break attendance records. A source close to the talks confirmed a deal was just about done, after similar reports in Detroit newspapers. It's been an open secret since the last Classic, between the Rangers and the Flyers, that the NHL wanted the Leafs to play the Wings next time. The Michigan website Mlive.com reported Wednesday that the Wings had come to terms with the University of Michigan to use Michigan Stadium — a.k.a. The Big House — for the Jan. 1, 2013 game."
Red Wings to host Toronto in Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium
January 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"A source has confirmed to the Free Press that the Detroit Red Wings will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 1, 2013, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Red Wings won't get to announce that they're hosting the Winter Classic until next month, but that's only because logistics won't allow it. The Wings asked to host the game right after participating in the 2009 game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field. Detroit was an easy selection for the NHL and NBC, which broadcasts the game, because of the rich history of the Wings and Detroit's wintry location. But it remained to be negotiated whether it would be held at Michigan Stadium, which can hold a record-setting crowd topping"
Maple Leafs-Red Wings Classic in jeopardy?
January 18
Toronto Sun
 
"There might be some trouble at the Big House for a proposed Maple Leafs-Red Wings Winter Classic. University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon told the Detroit News earlier this week that an outdoor game at the school's football stadium held before as many as 100,000 people could encounter scheduling conflicts and other hiccups. "When we were approached (by the NHL), I thought this could be a great opportunity. But boy, doesn't it have a lot of complications, and I still feel that way," Brandon told the paper. "They play it on Jan. 1. It's a holiday, a long time after the stadium's closed up. And, everybody is out of town, and I hope, in fact, a lot are at a bowl game watching our"
Leafs in Winter Classic could mean more Burke on TV
January 15
Toronto Sun
 
"Coming soon to a bigger picture television screen near you: Brian Burke, Ron Wilson (assuming he's still the coach) and your Toronto Maple Leafs, the first Canadian team to be involved in the National Hockey League's Winter Classic. While it has yet to be announced or officially confirmed, it certainly seems apparent that the Leafs will play the Detroit Red Wings outdoors next January at the University of Michigan. And what's surprising about this is that NBC, the American network that puts so much into televising the Winter Classic, is on board with having a Canadian team involved, especially considering that NBC rarely, if ever, features a Canadian team on any of its weekly NHL"
JVR Concussion squelches rumors; Flyers lose
January 15
Courier-Post
 
"The James van Riemsdyk trade rumors ended quickly in an all too familiar way. The Flyers left winger isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He's not going to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he won't be on the ice with his team, either. A day after reports circulated that he could be dealt to the Leafs for defenseman Luke Schenn, van Riemsdyk was shut down indefinitely Saturday with a concussion injury that seemingly came out of the blue. "James was hit in the head in each of our last two games," general manager Paul Holmgren said before the Flyers lost 4-2 Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn. "He reported (Friday) not feeling like himself. He will be out indefinitely with a concussion.""
Luke Schenn not in trade mix, Maple Leafs GM says
January 14
Toronto Star
 
"Brian Burke said Friday that he assured Luke Schenn the Leafs aren't talking about trading him anywhere. "We are not in trade discussion for Luke Schenn," Burke said just prior to the Leafs' game in Buffalo, and after two days of rumours involving the Philadelphia Flyers. A report Thursday suggested the fourth-year blue-liner would make a good fit in exchange for forward James van Riemsdyk. "I told (Schenn) I can't guarantee him he won't be traded (if the right deal came along), but nothing's been offered," Burke said. "I don't know where the rumours started . . . but it's not happening." Burke reitereated that while he is pleased with his club's progress, his job remains to improve the"
Source: Big House Classic plan includes Detroit
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"The NHL has all but finalized details to hold next year's Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, while continuing negotiations for a second outdoor rink in downtown Detroit where all ancillary events would be held, a source told ESPN.com Friday. The league would like to have the matter settled by the All-Star break in late January, according to the source. The Jan. 1 game between the Original Six rivals would be played at the University of Michigan's "Big House," which, at 110,000-plus seats, is the largest college football stadium in the country. Ann Arbor is about 43 miles west of Detroit. But cognizant of the need to"
Reports: Leafs, Flyers discuss Schenn-JVR trade
January 13
NHL.com
 
"Could the Philadelphia Flyers be investigating bringing a brother act to the City of Brotherly Love? TSN and the Philadelphia Daily News are reporting the Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs have held discussions regarding Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn being part of a package coming to Philadelphia in exchange for forward James van Riemsdyk. Schenn's younger brother, Brayden, is in his first season with the Flyers. The Flyers reportedly have been in the market for a defenseman. Chris Pronger is out for the remainder of the season and the playoffs due to a concussion, and All-Star Kimmo Timonen is playing through a hand injury."
Leafs GM quiet on potential trades
January 6
Toronto Sun
 
"Brian Burke might be an NHL general manager, but it sounds like he could work for the CIA if he ever needs another job. "Well, it's classified. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," Burke joked on Thursday when asked if the Leafs had any good trades in the works. Although there have been many trade rumours floating around the league this week, with the biggest being that Anaheim is looking to have a fire sale, Burke was tight-lipped about any possible dealings the Leafs are having. "We're listening more than anything, but the trade talk has picked up," he said. "It always does after you lift the freeze. There's always a flurry of activity when guys aren't allowed to make deals"
Ducks Could Be Set To Move Getzlaf
January 5
Toronto Star
 
"We've seen this head fake from Anaheim GM Bob Murray before. So Leaf fans need not get too excited. One moment earlier this season, you may remember, scoring winger Bobby Ryan was made available around the league for a possible trade, the next minute he wasn't available and Murray had instead fired head coach Randy Carlyle and quickly replaced him with the Bruce Boudreau. But before, not after, the Ducks loss to San Jose on Wednesday night, a frustrated Murray appeared to make it clear in an interview with Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times that not only Ryan, but also Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry and centre Ryan Getzlaf are all now available to the highest bidder. And it's Getzlaf,"
Staal deals with trade rumours, losing
December 29
Toronto Sun
 
"When Eric Staal steps onto the ice against the Maple Leafs at the RBC Center on Thursday, hordes of television viewers back in Canada will dream of what the gifted centre would look like in blue and white. They aren't alone. When rumblings out of Toronto prior to Christmas suggested a Staal-to-the-Leafs trade was in the works, the Carolina captain was besieged with inquires from friends and family from north of the border. They called. They e-mailed. They texted. All wanted to know the same thing. Were the reports true? Was he, in fact, the big centre the Leafs have so badly thirsted for ever since Mats Sundin left town? Standing in the Hurricanes' locker room on Wednesday, Staal chuckled"
Wilson gets Christmas wish-- extension from Leafs
December 26
TSN.ca
 
"Ron Wilson's Christmas wish has come true -- he has received a contract extension from the Toronto Maple Leafs. A day after playfully suggesting on Twitter that his holiday would be better if Santa delivered a certain piece of paper to his stocking, Wilson Tweeted an update on Christmas morning. "He came! He came! Remember saying that as a little kid? Well he did: I got a new Red Ryder BB gun and a contract extension!" The extension was later confirmed by TSN, although details are not yet known."
Wilson tweets that he got his Christmas wish
December 25
NHL.com
 
"Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson must have been pretty good this year -- his team certainly has been -- because apparently he got his Christmas wish. On Friday, Wilson had posted on his personal Twitter account a request for a contract extension for Christmas. In another tweet posted early Sunday morning, Wilson said Santa Claus -- in this case, Leafs General Manager Brian Burke -- brought him what he wanted. At 7:49 a.m., Wilson posted this to his Twitter account, @coachrw63: "'He came! He came!' Remember saying that as a little kid? Well he did: I got a new Red Ryder BB gun and a contract extension!""
Sale of MLSE to Rogers, Bell near
December 9
Toronto Sun
 
"The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan is about to cash out its controlling stake of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment empire -- selling to a pair of media giants. Sources have told QMI Agency that a deal worth as much as $2 billion is close to being settled with telecommunications behemoths Bell Media and Rogers Communications, who have been rivals in the past for the much desired 79.5% shares of MLSE. Bell and Rogers represent TSN and Sportsnet, the No. 1 and 2 sports broadcasting powers in Canada, but they will call a truce and split the shares with so many lucrative deals to be spun off their union. An announcement could come as early as Friday, but there are many moving pieces that"
Don't jump gun on Wilson contract
December 2
Toronto Sun
 
"Good on Brian Burke for jumping to the aid of Ron Wilson so quickly. Of course, he didn't have much choice. Had Burke not used his twitter account as a forum to publicly state that he has Wilson's back, the Randy Carlyle-to-Toronto speculation would have exploded into a full-blown controversy. As it was, Burke's blackberry probably was buzzing like a hive of bees before he'd even gulped down his first cup o' java on Thursday morning, inquiring minds all wanting to know if Carlyle's firing by the Anaheim Ducks would impact Wilson's job status down the road. "Sad to hear about Randy Carlyle," Burke tweeted. "But our coach isn't going anywhere!" It's easy to see why there was such an"
Carlyle available but Burke backs Wilson
December 2
Toronto Star
 
"Leafs GM Brian Burke insists coach Ron Wilson "isn't going anywhere." Apparently, neither is the likelihood of an immediate Wilson contract extension. Burke came to the defence of his coach Thursday following another rocky day in the coaching fraternity that led to speculation about fired Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle coming to Toronto. Carlyle, whose club was on a 1-12 tailspin before winning Wednesday night against Montreal, was dismissed as Ducks coach and immediately replaced by Bruce Boudreau, himself only three days removed from the coaching duties in Washington. Carlyle's sudden availability sparked talk of a possible move to Toronto and a reunion with Burke, who had Carlyle as his"
Burke tweets "our coach isn't going anywhere" after Ducks fire Carlyle
December 1
Toronto Star
 
"Leafs general manager Brian Burke was quick — thanks to Twitter — to try and nip in the bud any speculation about fired Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle coming to Toronto. Bruce Boudreau, who just relieved of his job as head coach of the Washington Capitals earlier this week, will replace Carlyle. Carlyle had been hired in Anaheim by Burke when Burke was GM there and has long been thought to be a possible replacement for Leafs coach Ron Wilson, who is in the last year of his contract."
Burke tight-lipped on Wilson extension
November 30
Toronto Sun
 
"Brian Burke would be too hasty in handing Ron Wilson a contract extension without being assured his three-year playoff drought, a Leafs coaching record, is going to end. So the Leafs GM was vague on what the timetable for such a discussion might be, even though he told TSN Radio on Tuesday night that Wilson's role in the club's strong start of 14-8-2 with all the injuries has been overlooked by the media. Burke reverted to his summer stance that Wilson's contract status would be reviewed "at the proper time." And when might that be now? "None of your business," Burke told the station."
Reimer in line for backup duty in Boston
November 30
Toronto Star
 
"He's getting close, but don't expect Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer to start either of the next two games against the Boston Bruins. But he'll likely be on the bench backing up Jonas Gustavsson on Saturday in Boston. "He's pretty close," coach Ron Wilson said after practice on Tuesday. "He'll probably be backing up in Boston and then we'll make a decision on when he starts.""
Cautious Wilson pegs Reimer's return at 10 days
November 25
Toronto Star
 
"How close is James Reimer to returning to the crease as the Maple Leafs starting goaltender? After partaking in his first full practice in something like a month on Thursday afternoon, Reimer said he felt very close indeed. "For me, a couple more (practices) like this and I should be good to go," Reimer said. But Ron Wilson, the Maple Leafs coach, cautioned that Reimer is "probably 10 days or so away" from playing in a game."
Leafs' Reimer feeling better, set to return 'soon'
November 23
Toronto Star
 
"Saying he has felt "99 per cent for 30 days," Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer told reporters on Tuesday that he hopes to return to the lineup "soon." "The symptoms are getting better or almost gone. I think it's just a matter now of getting back into shape," Reimer said. "I've felt great the last five days. It's been a lot of fun." Reimer was speaking precisely a month removed from the Oct. 22 collision with Brian Gionta in Montreal that sent Reimer's mask flying and put him out of action with what the club has since referred to as whiplash and concussion-like symptoms."
Leafs not ready to press trade button
November 19
Toronto Sun
 
"Interesting that the Leafs will be without 30% of their regular lineup when they face-off against the Caps. With James Reimer, Matthew Lombardi, Mike Komisarek, Mikhail Grabovski, Clarke MacArthur and Colby Armstrong all sidelined due to injury, six of the 20 players often dressed by Ron Wilson will be watching the game in street clothes. The flood of bodies clogging the trainer's room has many panicking fans urging Maple Leafs management to immediately go out and pull the trigger on some huge deals. But vice-president of hockey operations Dave Poulin said on Friday that the rash of injuries will not play a role in any trade talks. Not yet anyway. "If something made sense for our hockey"
Wilson's Contract Extension Now Unlikely
November 18
Toronto Star
 
"The sizzling start of the Maple Leafs is now but a memory. And Ron Wilson's opportunity to land a contract extension at some point during this season is almost certainly gone as well. GM Brian Burke wanted to give Wilson an extension last spring, believing the Leaf head coach had earned it with a strong second half to the 2010-11 season. But then Burke re-considered, and ultimately decided to let Wilson go into this season with his contract set to expire next June. The thinking was if the team played well in the opening third of the season, the way would then be clear to give Wilson a new deal. Early on, that scenario looked favorable to Wilson. But five losses in six games, including last"
Franson's going nowhere, Burke says
November 17
Toronto Star
 
"He's been a healthy scratch in 14 of the Maple Leafs' 18 games but defenceman Cody Franson likely will get a chance to play Thursday night in Nashville against his former team. Unless between now and then, some team makes an offer GM Brian Burke just can't refuse. Burke has been inundated with trade offers for the 6-foot-5 defenceman with a booming shot who just can't crack the Leafs' top six. But with injuries always lurking, Burke doesn't want to gamble on trading Franson in case he'll need him."
Turco not coming to the Leafs
November 16
Toronto Sun
 
"If Marty Turco is going to find a job in the National Hockey League, apparently it won't be with the Maple Leafs. "No interest," Leafs general manager Brian Burke said in an e-mail on Tuesday night. There were reports that the Leafs reached out to Turco, who is a free agent. The 36-year-old Turco has an NHL career record of 273-165-66 with the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars."
Leaf Connolly might return Tuesday
November 15
Toronto Star
 
"Injured Tim Connolly hasn't ruled out playing Tuesday against the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. On Monday, Connolly participated in his first full practice since suffering an upper-body injury while killing a penalty against the Boston Bruins. If he plays Tuesday, Joey Crabb or Matt Frattin will be headed back to the Marlies. Connolly worked the power play at practice, including on the point with winger Phil Kessel, and skated strongly although not as much as he would have liked. He also spent time killing penalties."
Kessel named NHL's player of month
November 2
Toronto Star
 
"Phil the Thrill meet Felix the Cat. Phil Kessel became the first Maple Leaf since Felix Potvin to be named the NHL's player of the month. As long a span as that is — 18 years — may be a tad embarrassing to the club. But at the same time it may well be a harbinger of good things to come."
Leafs send Frattin to Marlies, recall Crabb
November 2
Toronto Star
 
"Veteran Joey Crabb is back up with the Maple Leafs while rookie Matt Frattin gets his first taste of the minors. Crabb will join the Maple Leafs in New Jersey on this two-game road trip. The 28-year-old Crabb, who finished the year last season with the Maple Leafs, has seven goals and eight assists and was a plus-6 in nine games for the Toronto Marlies."
Nazem Kadri likely headed back to Marlies
October 27
Toronto Star
 
"All it took was one look at the forward line combinations at Leafs practice here Wednesday to place Nazem Kadri right in the middle of a frenzy of speculation about his immediate future with the club. The Leafs and the Rangers will play the first hockey game in the newly renovated Madison Square Garden Thursday night, but Kadri may not be part of that special moment. The talented young winger lined up with the so called "extra" players at practice, triggering talk that he may be returned to the Marlies Thursday."
Report: Reimer to miss at least one start
October 23
NHL.com
 
"The Toronto Maple Leafs may not have No. 1 goaltender James Reimer for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night. TSN is reporting that Reimer, 23, will miss Monday's showdown after suffering a minor neck injury in the early stages of Saturday's 5-4 overtime win at Montreal. Reimer's head made contact with the right elbow of Canadiens captain Brian Gionta in the first minute of the game. He managed to finish the period before meeting with team doctors during the intermission, when it was then ruled that he wouldn't finish the game. Jonas Gustavsson made 15 saves in relief of Reimer and would likely get the start against the Flyers if the latter is unable to play. Reimer"
Armstrong stays behind
October 20
Toronto Sun
 
"When the Maple Leafs left Toronto for their four-game trip to Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia and New York late Wednesday, Colby Armstrong was left behind. Both Armstrong and fellow winger Clarke MacArthur were injured during the Leafs' 4-3 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday and did not return to the game. Simply described by coach Ron Wilson as being "banged up," MacArthur at least accompanied his teammates on the road."
Devils deal Steckel to Maple Leafs
October 5
New York Post
 
"Making room for a rookie center such as Adam Henrique or Brad Mills, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello last night traded 29-year-old center David Steckel to the Maple Leafs for a fourth-round 2012 draft pick. New Jersey will save $1.1 million in salary this season and next on Steckel. The Devils acquired him and a 2012 second-rounder from the Caps for Jason Arnott on Feb. 28, after acquiring Arnott from Nashville for Matt Halischuk and a second-rounder June 19, 2010. Steckel is perhaps best known for his hit to the head of Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby in the Winter Classic on Jan. 1. Crosby absorbed another hit in a game four days later and hasn't played since then."
Leafs chasing the big deal
October 2
Toronto Sun
 columnist Steve Simmons
"Clearly discouraged by its current roster, Maple Leafs management is actively working the phones trying to make deals prior to Thursday's start of the regular season. What the Leafs would like to do — and may have difficulty accomplishing — is packaging some of their depth players in an attempted deals for single established players in return. The Leafs season is about to begin with questions in goal — neither James Reimer nor Jonas Gustavsson had terrific pre-seasons — more defencemen than they can dress, and the same old problems up front: Not enough high- level offensive players, not enough physical players, not enough forwards who, frankly, scare the opposition. This is not anything"
Nazem Kadri out for at least two weeks with knee injury
September 29
Toronto Star
 
"Nazem Kadri will be out two-to-four weeks with a torn ligament in his knee, Leafs coach Ron Wilson said. "He hurt his MCL," the Maple Leafs coach told the Fan 590 about Kadri. "So he's going to be out two-to-four weeks."