By

Ever since Mike Richards was first put on waivers by Los Angeles, we’ve been inundated with questions regarding the likelihood of where he would play his next NHL game. The latest round of questions came earlier today via Twitter after our writer in Manchester, Andy Tonge, tweeted this:

#MapleLeafs have two scouts at today’s #Monarchs game – including director of player personnel Mark Hunter. Fuel up those Richards rumors… — Andy Tonge (@AndyTonge1) February 14, 2015

FWIW: Been told a third Toronto Maple Leafs scout is here tonight. He was a last-minute attendee, thus not on seating chart. — Andy Tonge (@AndyTonge1) February 14, 2015

With that in mind, let’s try to clear up five common myths about recent talks between the two teams…

1. Toronto has no interest in Mike Richards.

Immediately following Richards going on waivers, several media outlets tried to deny Toronto had interest in the veteran center. Some softend it by saying the Leafs once had interest, but it had waned greatly in the weeks leading up to him being put on waivers by the Kings. That simply isn’t true. As we reported then – in this very detailed article – the Leafs made multiple offers to the Kings in an attempt to acquire his services. Since that time, talks between the two clubs have continued. Part of the issue remains the Kings’ lukewarm interest in what the Leafs have to offer in return, as explained here.

2. If Toronto wanted Richards, they would have simply picked him up on waivers – for free, without giving the Kings anything in return.

Rather than getting into some crazy scenarios here, let’s try to stay high-level and offer brief, but helpful answers. Toronto simply claiming Richards off waivers would have been nearly impossible because they have less than $2 million in available salary cap space. This really wasn’t an option for the Maple Leafs.

3. Toronto is insisting that Tyler Toffoli or Tanner Pearson are included in the deal.

This simply isn’t true, nor would it ever happen. First off, the Maple Leafs aren’t that crazy – although another Canadian team is, only they play further West. Second, Toffoli and/or Pearson aren’t being dealt for any player in the entire Toronto organization.

4. For Toronto to “take” Richards off Dean Lombardi’s books, L.A. will need to throw in another top level prospect (i.e. Adrian Kempe or Valentin Zykov).

Again, that isn’t happening. As noted in our latest edition of the Kings Top 10 prospects, those two players have been tagged as virtually untouchable by the organization. Another player on that short list is Nick Shore, who as the write-up stated, has become one of coach Darryl Sutter’s favorite prospects. Add in the fact that Richards doesn’t figure into L.A.’s plans next season and Jarret Stoll is set to become an unrestricted free agent, Lombardi would have to be blown away by an offer for his top prospect at center.

Further, No. 5 on that same list is defenseman Colin Miller. Although Lombardi has been desperate to find a defenseman to replace the hole Slava Voynov has created in the lineup, he most likely isn’t about to trade away one of his top two blueline prospects. That side of the puck has been a nightmare for him over the past 18 months, with the departure of Rob Scuderi, Willie Mitchell, and the absence of Voynov. Robyn Regehr is also set to become a UFA this summer, as well. To give up a prized defensive prospect, Lombardi would have to get a young, stud defenseman (preferably with years left under contract) in return. Again, Toronto doesn’t appear to have an asset that fits the bill.

Sources have told MayorsManor the Leafs are looking at center Jordan Weal. If true, this makes a ton of sense for a myriad of reasons. First off, he is a player that scouts have told us would already be playing for 15 other teams in the NHL right now.

Originally selected by the Kings in the third round (70th overall) at the 2010 NHL Draft, Weal is a former WHL scoring champion with the Regina Pats and led the Monarchs last season with 70 points (23 goals, 47 assists). More recently, with Maple Leafs scouts in attendance, his line led Manchester to victory last night, something he talked about with Tonge after the game.

Additionally, here is a small sample from the write-up included with our preseason rankings:

One of the things often noted is that he’s the second best player in Manchester nearly every night. The top player may rotate from game to game, but Weal just plugs along at a consistent pace. He possesses tremendous vision and hands capable of dazzling a crowd. While he is primarily a playmaker, don’t discount Weal’s ability to bury the puck himself. Another underrated aspect of his game is how competitive he is. The former Regina Pat has an endless motor and a penchant to deliver in clutch moments. While he isn’t a top defensive player, Weal is very shifty defensively and can often be seen lifting sticks, stealing the puck, and creating offense the other way for his team. He utilizes great skating to create offense on the rush.

Back in November, Weal was nearly called up to the Kings, but was blocked by salary cap issues surrounding the Slava Voynov suspension. He shared thoughts with MayorsManor about that experience here. With 36 points in 47 games entering today, Weal has been an important part of the Monarchs offense.

5. Toronto has demanded Dion Phaneuf be included in the deal, as they want to move one “bad contract” for another.

That isn’t true, although it would be the easiest deal to make from a financial standpoint. Phaneuf has a cap hit of $7M for six more years. Richards has a $5.75M cap hit for five more years. Right off the bat, that helps the Leafs salary cap. On the flip side, the Kings would be taking on more salary and more years. Plus, Phaneuf not only has a larger cap hit, he also has $19 million more “actual” dollars owed to him than Richards. However, the biggest challenge here is the Kings have been lukewarm to the idea of adding Phaneuf to their blueline. That’s a hefty contract for a guy who would play as part of the second or third pairing in Los Angeles. Also, keep in mind it was Darryl Sutter who had Phaneuf in Calgary before he traded him away in 2010 while serving as the Flames GM. If Sutter really wanted Phaneuf on the Kings, the trade would probably already be done by now.

Thus, talks between the two clubs continue.

As @AndyTonge1 reported, two TOR scouts, incl DPP Mark Hunter, in Manchester today to see AHL Monarchs, where Mike Richards currently toils. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2015

One might surmise TOR hasn’t entirely closed door on Richards but LA/TOR have had other talks, too. Nothing front burner at this time. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2015

Follow @mayorNHL

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com