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Travis Zajac rumours persist
From Rich Chere at NJ.com:
It is no secret that former Devils GM Lou Lamoriello would like to acquire Zajac, but it is believed that he is discussing several potential deals with Ray Shero. Center Nazem Kadri is one potential piece of a trade, although the Devils would undoubtedly consider a package deal if it could bring James van Riemsdyk to New Jersey.
Analysis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxSI1QsIo8g
Sunday Links:
- Staff: Toronto Maple Leafs sign Brad Boyes to one-year contract (MLHS)
Boyes had the strongest recent numbers among the invitees at camp, having scored 14 goals and 38 points last season. His career production is superior to both Glencross and Setoguchi, to go along with solid career possession and scoring chance numbers.
I - Staff: Leafs announce third round of cuts: Marner to junior, Glencross and Setoguchi cut loose (MLHS)
In addition to goaltender Rob Madore returning to Marlies camp, Mitch Marner has been returned to junior while Curtis Glencross and Devin Setoguchi have been cut loose from their Player Tryout Agreements.
I - Greg Wyshynski: Travis Zajac to Maple Leafs trade talk grows forever louder (Puck Daddy)
So if the Leafs were to acquire Zajac, it’s fine as long as they make the obvious move: Deal Tyler Bozak for him. He’s a free agent in 2018 and is scheduled to make $13.5 million through the end of the term. He has a $4.2 million cap hit. The Devils save money, pick up a shorter contract and probably get a draft pick out of it; the Leafs get rid of a middling talent whose very existence on the roster is nonsensical without Phil Kessel there, and pick up a solid two-way center and better all-around player.
I - Rob Longley: Easy decision for Shawn Matthias to join Maple Leafs (Toronto Sun)
“Toronto was already on my list of teams to go to, but talking to (Babcock) and just seeing how much he wants to win … that’s what it’s all about,” the big forward said of his summer free-agent choice. “We talked for a while. He told me why he made his decision to come to Toronto.”
I - Jonas Siegel: Clock ticking on Leafs PTOs (TSN)
Earlier in the day Setoguchi spoke about the limited chances training camp offered for someone like him and in his most prominent opportunity the 28-year-old felt as though he let one slip away. “Personally I could’ve done a little bit more,” said Setoguchi, who played only 11 minutes on Saturday, finishing with just one shot on goal. “Little disappointed with the opportunity that I had.”
I - Tom Hunter: J.J. Piccinich – Maple Leafs OHL Prospect Preview (MLHS)
Piccinich should have every opportunity to seize one of the spots on the top two lines. If he does, he could be in for a big season offensively. Playing on the wing of either Marner or Dvorak would give him a veteran pivot to play off of and an opportunity to play with very high calibre linemates.
I - Tom Hunter: Stephen Desrocher – Maple Leafs OHL Prospect Preview (MLHS)
With the graduation of Josh Brown, Chris Carlisle and Dakota Mermis and the trade of Will Petschenig, Desrocher is the second oldest defender on the Generals and will be looked to as a veteran who needs to step into an even bigger role. He is likely to see some second unit power play time as well as his usual spot on the first team penalty kill.
I - Scott Wheeler: There’s “a lot of cocaine” in the NHL, Viktor Loov tells Swedish news (PPP)
Sure this is how the talk is, but I am certain it’s not just talk. There are players everywhere who do it. If you have money you probably have easy access. Then there is the attitude over there compared to Sweden. Not with cocaine maybe but with hash (cannabis) and stuff you smoke, that is something you encounter everywhere.
