Toronto Maple Leafs Rumour Mill Turns to Dustin Penner
Toronto are the hockey city of the world, they are also the rumour capital of the NHL. As there has been no shortage of Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumours since the New Year began.
The newest Maple Leafs rumour comes from Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star. Mitchell has reported that,
“if Brian Burke is looking at a rental player to give the Maple Leafs an edge in their stretch drive, the club could take a chance with Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Penner.”
The obvious interest in Penner is the fact that he is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, a big body scorer that Brian Burke absolutely covets. There is also a familiarity between Burke and Penner from the 2006/07 Stanley Cup Anaheim Ducks.
The Penner experiment with the Los Angeles has certainly failed (7 goals and 12 assist in 62 games), since coming over in a trade from the Edmonton Oilers that saw prospect Colten Teubert, a 2011 first round draft pick and a conditional third round pick in 2012.
The Manitoba native could make his way to Toronto if the Kings want to get rid of the $4.25 million the Kings still owe him at the end of this season, so that they can make other moves.
One aspect that could prevent Penner coming to Toronto is the asking price. The Kings gave up a prospect and two draft picks including a 1st round pick and L.A. would want recoup some of their losses.
Penner is a former 32 goal scorer and has also recorded 20 plus goals in three other seasons. If Brian Burke is unable to acquire a star player, than I only want Penner coming to Toronto for the same kind of deal that brought Matthew Lombadri in the off-season. If the Kings are looking to dump this guy, than no need to send back a 1st round pick or any high end prospects.
Source – http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1129281–reality-check-dustin-penner-and-the-maple-leafs-trade-rumour-of-the-day
Rant Sports Toronto Maple Leafs Feature Writer
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