David Pagnotta says the Maple Leafs poked around on Simon Edvinsson, but he doesn't see a deal with Detroit coming together.
“Toronto poked around, I don't think that's gonna happen,” Pagnotta said on DFO Insider.
The Fourth Period had reported loose, exploratory talks between the Leafs and Red Wings about the defenseman.
Not surprising. A Toronto team already paying two veteran defensemen big money was always going to struggle with this price tag.
It's like browsing a luxury dealership on a sedan budget. Looking is free, but buying is a different story.
Pagnotta has also reported Edvinsson wants around $11 million per season over seven years.
Elliotte Friedman said this week he doesn't believe Edvinsson has changed his mind about not signing in Detroit.
If Detroit decides to move Edvinsson, the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers could be other destinations to consider. Any of those scenarios would depend on Detroit's asking price and whether his reported contract demands fit the team's plans.
The Leafs' blue line is still banged up as the search goes on
Darren Raddysh carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, while Morgan Rielly is at $7,500,000.
Neither has scored a goal this season, though Rielly has 8 assists and Raddysh has 5.
Troy Stecher and Marshall Rifai are the only Leafs defensemen with a goal so far.
Rifai and Blankenburg were placed on injured reserve this week, according to Leafs PR.
Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis were recalled from the Marlies as a result.
Howard Berger reported the Leafs were also attempting to acquire Calgary's Zach Whitecloud.
Friedman said Toronto would only move prime assets for a difference maker on the back end.
Toronto is 6-4-2 and has won three straight games.
The Leafs have allowed 39 goals in 12 games.
Detroit is 4-3-3 and visits Calgary tonight before heading to Edmonton on Monday.
Moritz Seider remains Detroit's highest-paid defenseman at $8,550,000.
Pierre LeBrun has said the longer this drags on, the more a trade remains possible.
If Edvinsson is off the table, who becomes Toronto's real target?
The Leafs visit Edmonton tonight and Calgary on Monday night to continue their road trip.
Toronto looked at the top shelf and walked away. The question now is how far down the shelf it's willing to reach.
Should the Maple Leafs keep chasing Simon Edvinsson?
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