Report: Leafs “kicked tires” on Red Wings forward

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas sent shockwaves through the NHL late last month when he acquired defenseman Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings. It was the first big move ahead of the NHL’s Trade Deadline and, hopefully, the first of many moves between now and February 25th.

With Dubas having shipped his first round pick out in the Muzzin deal, it seems like the Leafs have taken themselves out of any big moves, but a recent report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli of TSN seems to indicate that the team isn’t done. According to Seravalli, the Leafs have “kicked tires” on Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Glendening.

Check it out:

Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is familiar with Glendening from his time with the Red Wings and is reportedly a fan of the fourth line grinder’s style of play.  Seravalli reports that the Red Wings see Glendening as a “big part of their team culture” and with eight goals and 18 points this season, Glendening is on pace to set new career-highs in goals, assists, points and time on ice (15:51). He’s signed for two more years at a reasonable $1.8 million, but does he offer enough of an upgrade on Frederik Gauthier? Keep in mind that Gauthier is locked up for this year and next year at just $675,000. 

Then there’s the cost of acquisition. It was reported that last year the Leafs inquired about Glendening, but weren’t willing to ship a 2nd round pick to the Wings in exchange for his services. With Brian Boyle going for a 2nd round pick earlier this week, you have to imagine that Glendening’s price hasn’t dropped much. 

So… Glendenning for a 2nd and $1.8 million for the next two years? You buying, Leafs fans?