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Leaf Rumours

From ESPN:

The Anaheim Ducks and RFA Bobby Ryan were at an impasse with extension talks, and the latest word was that the Ducks wanted a long-term deal while Ryan wanted something short-term. The reason: Ryan wanted to cash in as an unrestricted free agent, while the Ducks wants to buy out a few of those years at a lower price.

But, now, GM Bob Murray tells the LA Times' Helene Elliott that they're "trying something different." Elliot thinks this means they're talking about a deal shorter than five years, which might be more to Ryan's liking.
 
Couple things.

If Kabs is traded, everyone believes that he'll be missed the most on the powerplay. While it's true that we do not have another defenceman who could fill that role (Gunnarsson, Beauchemin are a long step below), we could fill the void with a slick passing centre who could feed Phaneuf's bombs. Also, the best part of Kaberle's game (skating the puck into the zone) has been mainly eliminated as the PP face-off now starts in the offensive zone.

Also had a thought about the Kessel trade that I don't believe has been mentioned. I think Burke may have been looking at the trade as being "insurance". He guaranteed himself a top quality forward, rather than gambling on ending up with inferior selections in the upcoming drafts. Other than the top 2 picks in the next couple of drafts, the rest of the available players are rather large questionmarks. In Burke's mind, any overpayment would have simply been a premium.
 
Also, the best part of Kaberle's game (skating the puck into the zone) has been mainly eliminated as the PP face-off now starts in the offensive zone.

Well this just isn't true. Yeah, you get to start the PP in the offensive zone now, with takes away the one instance in which you require that puck carrying skillset, but quite often during even a successful PP, the PKing team gains possession and clears the puck, requiring the PP to reset. It's still a highly coveted skill that we would miss badly if we were to trade him.
 
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/sports/sabre...er-Tim-Kennedy

BUFFALO (WIVB) - Tim Kennedy is ready to move on from the disappointment of his ugly departure from the Sabres. Sources tell News 4 Sports that three teams are interested in signing the forward.

The Blackhawks, Oilers and Maple Leafs are vying for the services of the gritty, tough and talented left wing. Kennedy was bought-out by the Sabres last week, in a salary dispute based on Kennedy's $1 million dollar arbitration ruling.

Signing with the Blackhawks would allow Kennedy to play with his childhood friend and South Buffalo native Patrick Kane. They grew up in the same neighborhood and played hockey together has youngsters.

Signing with Toronto would keep Kennedy in the WNY area. and close to his family friends that enjoyed watching him play in Buffalo.

Kennedy's agent, Allain Roy, did not repond to News 4 Sports request for comment.

A decision by Kennedy on one of those three teams could come this week.
 
And this guy is wanted because??? We have enough of these guys... Caputi, Sjostrom, Hanson...

Unless these guys are going in a deal with Kabs. That's the only way I see it.
 
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