Phaneuf Continues to Draw Interest from Kings, and Maybe Another Team As Well?

As reported by Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox on Hockey Night in Canada’s Saturday Headlines segment, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf continues to draw interest from the Los Angeles Kings, but could another team be in on him as well?

First, we’ll tackle Los Angeles. The Kings are still very much interested in adding a defenceman of Phaneuf’s calibre, as has been reported for a couple weeks now. This is a pretty timely discussion, as Mayor’s Manor’s Andy Tonge and TSN’s Bob McKenzie both mentioned today that Toronto continues to scout L.A.’s farm team…

As an aside, Mike Richards has two goals and eight points in six games with Manchester so far. He’s still very much an NHL player, apparently, but that contract though…

That being said, there’s a number of pieces that Los Angeles could move in any potential deal for Phaneuf.

Now, that new Mystery Team? Cox went on to mention that the Detroit Red Wings may be another team interested in his Phaneuf’s services. 

Detroit has already shown interest in Cody Franson, but are reportedly not keen on parting with a first round pick – the Leafs’ current asking price. If not Franson, the Red Wings may turn their attention to Phaneuf, though Cox stresses that both of Detroit’s top prospects, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, are considered untouchable. 

So, no first round pick, no Larkin, and no Mantha? I get why Detroit would want to hold on to assets like that, but Toronto should be pushing hard for at least one of them in any Phaneuf deal. The Leafs can’t afford to give him away for nothing.