Jake Gardiner not shopped but…
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger speaking to James Duthie n TSN, Jake Gardiner from the Maple Leafs is not being shopped but the Leafs have made it clear on the return they would require for Gardiner. The Leafs would require no less than a top six forward to compensate for the young defensemen. Gardiner who probably played his best game on Saturday against Montreal cumulated 25:30 minutes of ice time with two shots on goal. Thus far, teams who have shown the most interest in Gardiner are: the New York Islanders, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Calgary Flames. Other teams have also kicked the tires about the young defensemen. This year the sophomore has six assists in 26 games played and has been a healthy scratch once.
Editor’s Note: It is obvious some teams are desperate to acquire quality defensemen as the season develops but the Leafs are definitely not inclined to trade him yet. Playing his best game this season last Saturday, the Leafs intend on keeping him for now. He is available only for the “right price”.
Senators have eyes on Frattin
It has been reported on many websites and social medias that the Senators were looking for a puck moving defensemen but there are also some discussions on acquiring a top six forward, preferably a winger that would play alongside Jason Spezza. According to Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun, the Senators are looking at Matt Frattin who was acquired from Toronto, last summer in the deal that sent Ben Scrivens and Frattin to Los Angeles for goaltender Jonathan Bernier. Frattin was seen then on the wing with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter but hasn’t lived up to the expectations. Frattin this year has only two goals and four assists in 22 games played with a combined minus -7 rating. Matt Frattin could prove to be a solution fr the economic conscious Senators since Frattin is only making $900,000 this season with a cap hit of 437,500, the other half being paid by the Leafs as part of the deal in the off season.
Editor’s Note: Look for the Senators to soon make a move as the Senators are not playing really good hockey right now. Bryan Murray’s patience is reaching its limits and the loss last night to the Red Wings sure didn’t help. Saturday, I reported the Senators were also looking to possibly move Milan Michalek who’s been cold in the last few games and only producing fourteen points in 27 games played this year.
