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NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs May Blow Up Roster And Trade Captain Dion Phaneuf

By Josh Hill

May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the pre game warm up against the Boston Bruins in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the pre game warm up against the Boston Bruins in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the pre game warm up against the Boston Bruins in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the pre game warm up against the Boston Bruins in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Toronto Maple Leafs went from desperately searching for a netminder at the beginning of last season to a team that nearly knocked out the Boston Bruins in the fist-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But while the had a playoff worthy roster this season, it appears the Toronto Maple Leafs are ready to blow up their roster as general manager Dave Nonis is saying no one on the roster is safe including captain Dion Phaneuf.

The Maple Leafs were the favorites to land Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier and that’s exactly what happened on Sunday morning. Now that they have a viable star in net for them next season, the Leafs seem to have caught the trade bug and are ready to trade anyone including their captain. There are valuable pieces on their roster and the Leafs now seem very serious about putting together a winner at any and all costs.

Toronto doesn’t have anyone beyond Phaneuf and Phil Kessel signed to contracts through next season which means rather than extending their contracts on the books now they’re open to moving pieces in trades in order to bring in guys they want. Nonis doesn’t seem to be interested in waiting for free agency to build a winner, he wants one now and he appears motivated to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

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