Senators-Maple Leafs Trade: Bryan Murray’s Real Target
By Ryan Ritchie
Senators-Maple Leafs Trade: Who Was Bryan Murray’s Original Target?
Following Wednesday’s Senators-Maple Leafs trade involving nine players plus a draft pick, which saw Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf join the rival Ottawa Senators, it was later discovered that Dion was not part of initial discussions.
In a Sportsnet interview on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown on Wednesday, Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello revealed that another player other than Dion Phaneuf is what sparked trade talks.
He never said who made the first call, but logic dictates that Ottawa is the culprit – given our knowledge that Bryan Murray is actively calling other GMs to address needs. There’s little chance Ottawa was calling Toronto about one of the many prospects obtained in the Phaneuf deal, which leaves us asking the question “who was Bryan Murray initially showing interest in?”
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It’s somewhat like solving a multiple choice question. If you begin to eliminate the options that don’t make sense, we can narrow down the correct answer. This may help give us insight to Bryan Murray’s thought process heading into the NHL Trade Deadline.
Prior to the deal, we knew Ottawa was seeking an upgrade on the blueline. That was addressed with Dion Phaneuf. We also know they have a need in their top six – especially up the left side. Yes Jonathan Drouin is the perfect fit for Ottawa’s needs, but until they’re willing to give up Cody Ceci, it’s not likely to happen.
Senators-Maple Leafs Trade: Ottawa’s Original Target
The Exclusions
It’s doubtful Bryan Murray was calling to inquire about Morgan Reilly or Jake Gardiner. The Senators are set up the middle, excluding Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak. They’re obviously not calling about Joffrey Lupul.
Unlikely Candidates
There’s a chance Ottawa was only seeking offensive depth, suggesting that P.A. Parenteau, Shawn Matthias, Peter Holland, Nick Spaling or Daniel Winnik are possibilities. A budget team such as Ottawa might be interested in cheaper rental options/short-term commitments at low dollars. James van Riemsdyk would be a probable target if healthy. His IR status wouldn’t negate a trade, but it certainly complicates things.
Probable Targets
It’s not difficult to imagine Bryan Murray targeting cheaper defensive options initially, such as Roman Polak or Matt Hunwick. Based on his emergence in 2015-16, Hunwick seems to be the most logical answer. It’s easy to imagine Lou showing resistance to move Mike Babcock’s favorite player.
What about “Uncle” Leo (Komarov)? If there’s any Toronto forward that would help fill Ottawa’s void up front, it’s Komarov. Based on his All-Star performance for Toronto in 2015-16, several GMs may be contracting the Leafs about Komarov’s availability. Lou should be showing as much resistance with Leo Komarov as he would Matt Hunwick. If another GM is willing to overpay for either, it’ll be difficult for Toronto to decline.
Next: 2016 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Rounds 1-3
So who do you think was Bryan Murray’s original target when trade discussions opened? Moving forward, if you were Ottawa’s GM, who becomes the top three targets to address a need in your top six? Lets remember that Tampa Bay wants a quality young defender in return for Jonathan Drouin. Given the trade history between Ottawa and Arizona, does Mikkel Boedker become a top target?