Staal in a tough spot, Komarov will join Leafs

by on May 14, 2012 in Maple Leafs Rumours - 600 Comments

Share

Photo: Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

With four teams left and the NHL playoffs set to wind down, news and trade rumors should pick up as we get closer to the draft. “Wind down” is perhaps the wrong way to say it, but with fewer games happening (we’ll soon be at one every two nights) there’s a lot more time to speculate and gear up for an eventful summer.

The word out of Pittsburgh has been centered around Jordan Staal for a few weeks now, and since the team was eliminated there have been questions, ranging from reasonable to… er, unreasonable (Malkin trade anyone?) popping up quite regularly.

The Staal situation isn’t new. Folks have been talking about his place with the Penguins — behind Malkin and Crosby — since he’s been with the team. The idea is that he’s essentially being held back from thriving with another club. And for us Leafs fans, desperate to see an elite center in blue and white, we’re quite familiar with the name.

Then there’s this, from Josh Yohe at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Staal, whose contract expires next summer, recently was asked whether he, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could enjoy long-term happiness in Pittsburgh.

“Good question,” he said.

That’s interesting.

I’m not ready to declare “Staal wants out” or anything, but it’s obvious he’s unsure of where things are going with the Penguins. In fact, this thing is gaining so much speed recently, it’s almost assumed that Staal isn’t in Pittsburgh next year.

Yohe doesn’t go all Eklund on us with this recent piece. He simply names teams he believes will be in on this, and of course Carolina is at the top of the heap. Even Bob McKenzie has said this recently.

Number two on the list is the Leafs, and here’s what Yohe has to say about them:

It has become known that Toronto general manager Brian Burke is a big Jordan Staal fan. In fact, every GM in hockey is a big Staal fan, but Burke is said to particularly covet him. Burke and Shero are friends and have conducted business together. Think they would like Staal, a Thunder Bay native, in Ontario?

What the Maple Leafs have to offer

Center Nazem Kadri is the most talented player in Toronto’s system, and he thrived late in the season with the Maple Leafs. He’s a pure goal scorer. Also, defenseman Luke Schenn is the kind of physical, stay-at-home defenseman the Penguins badly need. The Maple Leafs are willing to deal Schenn.

The Ontario native bit doesn’t matter at all. And we’ve heard the “Burke is a huge fan” about basically any player on this planet who isn’t awful at hockey – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

For another team to “badly need” Luke Schenn is a pretty hilarious idea for a number of us Leafs fans, but if other clubs believe this, then hey, bonus for the Leafs.

Burke would obviously be hesitant to deal Kadri, especially if it involves sending another player with a lot of potential out with him. But with Staal, who seems to have been in the NHL forever, it’s easy to forget how young he is. He’s nearly a full year younger than Matt Frattin. It isn’t like the Leafs would be mortgaging the future for this guy, he is a future-type player.

Other teams mentioned in the Staal sweepstakes are the Oilers and Wild.

The Oilers have an edge in terms of assets they can unload for a big name player like Staal. But tossing out a potential star seems backwards to me, and with one year left there’s no way Staal would re-sign in Edmonton next summer anyway. For all I know this probably applies to Toronto as well, so if Burke is actually a big fan of Staal, he’ll be careful not to dish out major pieces without knowing if this guy is going to be a Leaf in 2013.

Toss this guy’s name in the hat along with Luongo and Suter for players the Leafs will look at and likely strike out on in the next few months.

Note: Dmitry Chesnokov reports that Leo Komarov will join the Leafs this summer. Born in 87, Komarov had 24 points in 46 games for the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo this past season.

Email [email protected] and follow on twitter @rfancey

Earlier today: Seven Games of Ross by Jon Steitzer

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Print article

  • Waiting4LSC

    Cam: Don’t see a steal with the Knuckleheads. They will try to fleece us, because we are the Leafs. Gotta hope Lu dictates, and the competition doesn’t play crazy. Thinking Getz may be the most favorable deal. Pitt are going to want a CBJ-Nash type trade, or they keep him. Mentally I believe the CBA is handcuffing Burkie right now.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    lordy lordy.. so, Burke is going to trade for Luongo and cost us nothing but a couple of bad salary dumps, then we are going to trade for one of Nash/Getzlaf/Stastny/Staal and do so no less without giving up our 1st round pick so we can then make a good pick (heck, might as well trade up and get into the top 3 while we are dreaming) – and with THAT momentum, we are also going to “entice” Parise to sign in Toronto – who will demand a contract Burke wont sign because hes above that – ok, I get it – simple 4 step plan, how come I couldnt see it?? this is the type of insight you consider appropriate while settled onto your perch dictating what others opinions should be? tell you what.. stop hauling on that crack pipe long enough to make any sense before you start criticizing anyone else or their opinions and perspective..

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    There’s no question in my mind that Getzlaf would be the most expensive player of all the possibilities mentioned so far to acquire. Staal wants to leave, so it’s not as though the Penguins have much of a choice. Plus, what we often forget about the whole Nash scenario is that no one stepped forward with Howson’s insane price.
    -
    Vancouver won’t be fleecing anyone on Luongo. Pretty sure he’s about as worthless as they come with a NTC and a 10 year deal.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • New Leafs Dynasty

    Hockeyy Insiderr ? @HockeyyInsiderr
    CONFIRMED : Rick Dudley got the green light from Burke to join#Canadiens staff. #Leafs and #Habs have agreement RD won’t help MTL for draft

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    Not telling anyone what to think. That’s what you try and do. Thanks for coming out.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    no Cameron, I just express my opinion – show me where I forced my opinion down anyones throat? if you read back, you will see, I mostly spend my time defending my opinion.. whereas, you have chosen to follow me around like the little chiwawa you are and take cheap shots at every turn.. so.. enjoy a taste of your own BS..

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    You have made 4 posts today, all of them replies to me. You have searched me out over multiple threads. All I did was simply point out what you were up to – namely, continually telling people they are of subhuman intelligent levels if they don’t agree with you that Burke is an idiot and knows nothing. It’s insulting, and disrespectful to most of the board – many of whom like the direction the team is headed in. You deserve to be told when you’re being a douchebag, and I am happy to oblige. Believe it or not, people are allowed to think positive things about Burke and the Leafs without being stupid, even if you don’t think so.
    -
    Learn how to converse with people without being such a clown, and then maybe you’ll have earned a modicum of respect from some of the posters here.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Bon Scott was a Leaf fan

    So…he’s free to join The Habs now….but he won’t be working on the draft..nor will be spill the beans to The Habs about what Toronto is up to for the draft?? I may smoke a lot of weed…but I’m not sure I buy that. Burke is not going to stand in his way…but there’s a certain odour to it.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    Nothing i have said was a lie, or untruthful.
    -
    I am not ashamed of what I say to you. People can look it up all day if they want. You constantly shit on anyone who thinks anything positive about the team, the management, or players. People avoid you like the plague now for this reason – shockingly, they don’t like to be called stupid.
    -
    Also, I somehow doubt you didn’t read the rest, but that’s cute.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    Cameron – you claimed – and I quote

    “You have made 4 posts today, all of them replies to me. You have searched me out over multiple threads.”

    and the truth is the exact opposite.. Its one thing to be a stalker – its another thing to accuse the one you are stalking of stalking you.. If you arent ashamed, you should be !!!

    “Nothing i have said was a lie, or untruthful.”

    what I quoted above is a lie – flat out lie – anyone can look it up if they think Im full of it.. why on earth would you say something so stupid Cameron? you had several outs, including just shutting your trap.. to much to ask right?

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    I didn’t stalk you at all. I’ve been sitting at my desk doing work all day, chatting on MLHS. I respond to pretty much everyone. I am stalking you no more than I’m stalking Alec. I simply pointed out that the only posts you made today were responding to me. In what way was this not truthful?

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    See, now here’s an example of how to have a normal conversation Andrew: If you thought this plan was so stupid, perhaps we could have discussed it. You might have asked me about how I thought this was possible with the assets we have. I would have explained. Instead, you decided to attack me, infer that I have mental deficiencies caused by extensive drug use, and act as if you know how much Luongo and Stastny will cost. You might actually learn something if you were interested in conversing with the intelligent and well-informed members of this board, instead of just lecturing them.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Craigory

    man, do I ever hate the habs.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    nm… ive made my point.. smarten up Cameron

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • NazemKsavzri

    Your not shoving your opinion on what we should do down ne1s throat..but your sure shoving your opinion of ones opinion down their throat. Theres more to conversing than being right or wrong. Its easier and alot more enjoyable to say “personally i dont see those hopes coming true in any shape or form” but instead you attack and make this environment less fun..relax, your ppsts and opinions are verg logical and knowledgeable, but same with cam and alot on this board..(my opinion).none of what he said was IMPOSSIBLE, farfetched collectively yes ..but he said “hope” when speaking of parise, and isnt completely off regardin Luongo (if at all). Stastny will not cost us our first..getzlaf would, nash would Staal would, (if speaking of Eric- not Jordan). Believe it or not though,, theres actually more to playersthan money. I think Burkes relation with Parise could be something to note, and for arguably USAs best hockey player i could see Burke offering 7 or 8 yrs.. there are certain players hed do that for, and Parise is one of them..

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    it hurts losing Dudley to the Habs.. but, I think he will join the team actively after the draft.. I agree though, there is a small odour :)

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    I posted a one sentence jab which you turned into a series of reciprocating lectures that now span multiple threads. Again, this is not untruthful, it’s what happened.
    -
    I’ve already admitted I was acting like an ass, and explained why: you deserve it. I’m not going to apologize for that. You are insulting to everyone with your constant rhetoric about how dumb Burke is and anyone who likes him alongside.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    “Your not shoving your opinion on what we should do down ne1s throat..but
    your sure shoving your opinion of ones opinion down their throat.”

    this was a message.. its not how I normally act.. all you have to do is read back and see I spend 99% of the time on this board defending my opinion.. nothing more.. in this case, read Camerons comments from earlier today – Ive just had enough of his BS, so, I gave him a bit back.. see how unsavoury you think this behaviour is?

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Black_Hawk

    Sucks that Dudley is gonna walk but what can you do right?

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    Cameron – dont suddenly act all righteous now.. you acted like a total dick head, and its been going on for awhile – you got called on it.. man up and stop being a crybaby about it.. anyone who cares to can look up the BS you injected into an intelligent conversation I was having with Anthony earlier.. dont give me the “reasonable conversation” crap now ok??

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    99% of what you post is you lecturing the board about how you were right and we have to run the team like Moneyball, and a Burke’s an idiot, and we have to wait for him to get fired, and all your other tripe.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Black_Hawk

    Does anyone think we should sign semin just so MTL doesnt get him? Also it would also be good to have another “gamebreaker” on the team. This is of course if we strike out on Parise and Sutter

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Black_Hawk

    I think Luongo’s contract will help us with getting him for less

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • Andrew R

    “I’ve already admitted I was acting like an ass”

    I must have missed that..

    “You are insulting to everyone with your constant rhetoric about how dumb Burke is and anyone who likes him alongside.”

    again, incorrect.. I usually speak of Burkes genious and how much I respect him as a business man and how he conducts his business.. I must have posted that 1000 times.. end of the day though, he has, in my opinion, screwed the pooch here in Toronto.. and Im not insulting ANYONE else by these comments.. stop taking it personally because I criticize your idol.. heck, Im not even insulting Burke. I – for the 100000000 time, really like him – but, he has made serious and significant errors in Toronto.. thats ALL I have ever said.. how is this insulting to EVERYONE?? that doesnt make any sense???

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)
  • http://www.hockey-nerd.com Cameron

    Do you really believe that you’re having a “conversation” when you start a post with “Good point Anthoni” and then repost the same drivel about how smart you are and how dumb Burke is and how we shouldn’t have traded for Kessel, and blah blah blah? That’s not conversation, it’s just you standing on your soap box.

    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
    VA:F [1.9.22_1171]
    Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)