With Ilya Samsonov’s struggles, the Maple Leafs have been among the teams that have been sniffing around the goalie market. However, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman relayed in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast (audio link) that Toronto’s foray into the market was believed to be them offering up a late-round pick – possibly a sixth-rounder – but teams were seeking a better return and preferred a prospect for even the lower-end options. Clearly, there wasn’t anything out there to GM Brad Treliving’s liking which resulted in today’s recall of prospect Dennis Hildeby, a move that is likely only a short-term option given his inexperience.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- As part of today’s roster shuffle that brought up defenseman Philippe Myers to Tampa Bay, CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that blueliner Haydn Fleury has been placed on LTIR. He exited yesterday’s victory over Montreal early and it appears the injury is significant enough for him to miss at least the next 10 games and 24 days. Fleury has had a limited role so far this season but does have four points in 12 contests with the Lightning.
- The Stars announced that they sent down goaltender Matt Murray to AHL Texas today. With Jake Oettinger unavailable for a little longer, it’s likely this is a cap-related move and that he’ll be recalled before their game tomorrow against Montreal. With Oettinger remaining on the active roster, they’re allowed to make this move even with their starter injured. Murray has yet to play in Dallas this season but has a 2.86 GAA and a .908 SV% in 13 AHL appearances.
- Flyers prospect Alex Ciernik has been replaced on Slovakia’s World Junior roster due to injury, relays Dennik Sport’s Matej Deraj (Twitter link). The 19-year-old was in his second appearance in the tournament and had one assist in three preliminary round contests. Ciernik was a fourth-round pick by Philadelphia back in June, going 120th overall.
- One day after being brought up on an emergency recall, the Jets announced (Twitter link) that winger Jeffrey Viel has been returned to AHL Manitoba. The 26-year-old didn’t suit up versus Minnesota and has nine points in 24 games with the Moose this season along with 70 penalty minutes.
Does anyone take the Leafs seriously anymore? Clearly management is painfully unqualified! Toronto can’t afford to sniff or kick the tires on a competent netminder, These socalled insiders are really nothing short of pedestrian entertainers at best!
They can afford to. But they choose to offer 6th round picks for probably decent goalies.
I hope nobody helps them out. It’s fun to watch the team with 4 superstars eating most of the cap struggle. Same as Edmonton.
yes they have struggled recently but context is everything. Their real starter has been out hurt. A lot of decent teams would have their struggles with a starter down. very few have two starting calibre goalies.
The issue with this team is not just the goalie, it’s the struggles of Samsonov compounded with their poor defensive play.
As for the price they are willing to pay, I get them offering a low pick. They would want a contract taken back to pay more. sure they won’t get a goalie in this market where the teams with 3 are willing to wait out desperate teams but no point shooting their best shot this early.
ultimately though, without Hill and a a veteran backup who hasn’t lost his confidence and at least one Damn who can block shots, hit and play sound defensively, this team isn’t going to compete deep in the playoffs.