The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of many teams that stays in constant contact with the Anaheim Ducks.
Past relationships between the two clubs encourage consistent communication, but the Leafs are also keenly aware of the Ducks' season of turmoil and the remote possibility Anaheim might free up a player too good to not get in the game early.
On Wednesday, Ducks GM Bob Murray sparked interest by acknowledging the only untouchable players on his roster are veterans Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. We were left to assume key assets such as Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and young defenceman Cam Fowler may be available for the right price.
Not so.
Firstly, both Selanne and Koivu are protected by no-trade clauses and it's highly unlikely Murray asks either to waive them. Secondly, the Ducks aren't shopping any of their core guys, however, if the team doesn't respond namely, Getzlaf, Ryan and Perry, it's not inconceivable one of them will become available, perhaps at the trade deadline, or more likely, at the NHL Entry Draft.
Although Ryan Getzlaf continues to meander through a very disappointing season, he is still regarded as one of the premier centres in hockey. For that reason, most in the hockey world still view Bobby Ryan as a more likely trade target.
Bob Murray insists his team isn't looking to rebuild, so if a blockbuster comes together, it will only be accepted in Anaheim if it vastly improves the Ducks' playoff chances for next season.
In the meantime, we have weeks, if not months of speculation ahead to analyze these options.
