New Rumor - Malone, No.2 to Toronto?
Submitted by chad on May 12, 2009 - 13:12
From Fan590.com:
Leafs Rumored In Deal With Lightning
Hockey Night In Canada's Elliotte Friedman was on THE FAN Tuesday morning, revealing that there is a rumor floating around the NHL concerning the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs would trade the seventh overall pick in this summer's draft to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the second overall pick - and more. Click here for the complete interview (8 minute mark).
The Leafs would also acquire winger Ryan Malone and possibly another player.
Malone signed a seven year-31.5 million dollar (U.S.) contract with the Lightning last summer. He is paid between 7-8 million in each of the first two years of the contract. The first year of that contract has expired.
BP Note: Before dismissing this as just another rumor, keep in mind that this management group has proven to provide the fire when there's smoke in the media. Friedman states repeatedly that it is widely assumed around the league that the Leafs will end up with the No.2 pick.
The comments he makes make it
The comments he makes make it seem as though Tampa is basically giving the Leafs the 2nd pick pretty much for free just to get Malone's contract off the books. Well, Malone and possibly another player too for the 7th overall pick. Seriously, what are they doing over there at Lightning camp? To give up that high a pick and such a quality player for a salary dump is another slap in the face to the fans of this team. The only player worth trading for in Toronto is Schenn and I'm seriously doubting he'd be part of this deal. This is going to be another aweful deal to dump salary pulled off by this team. I seriously try to stay positive and support the team but it get's harder and harder with each bonehead deal this club makes. They are driving this team into the ground while yelling "yee ha" the whole way.