Mike Komisarek didn’t deny reports that he has requested a trade out of Toronto.

However, the veteran defenceman, who has played just four games this season, simply said such talk has no substance.

“It must be a slow news day,” he said after Maple Leafs practice on Sunday.

The Leafs are obviously entertaining their options with Komisarek and fellow veteran defenceman John-Michael Liles, both of whom are stranded as healthy scratches.

The club is playing mostly solid hockey under coach Randy Carlyle, and players like Cody Franson, Mark Fraser and Mike Kostka have sewn up jobs and helped the Leafs make strides in cutting down goals against, protecting goalies and overall team defensive play.

Toronto is also considering Matt Frattin’s return from injury for Monday’s game against New Jersey, but it may have to make a roster move on the blueline to accommodate him.

Komisarek has a no-movement clause in his contract, and his $4.5 million (U.S.) salary makes it difficult to move him.

Rumours have swirled for over a week now indicating he either wants out or that some NHL teams in need of defensive help are willing to take on his contract (the Leafs would share some of it, under guidelines in the new CBA).

Twitter reports surfaced Saturday night saying St. Louis has interest. Earlier, the Dallas Stars were said to also have interest.

“I won’t comment on those types of unsubstantiated (reports),” Komisarek said. “I understand it’s part of the business but I’m not sure where you guys (media) get your information from.”

The NHL trade deadline is April 3, and it approaches with both Komisarek and Liles sitting while collecting high salaries.

Komisarek has sat as a healthy scratch since Feb. 2. According to Carlyle, the veteran hasn’t uttered a single negative word about it.

“You want to contribute of course, you don’t want to be a passenger,” Komisarek said. “You have to be ready when the opportunity comes . . . when and where it comes who knows.”

Toronto has two compliance buyouts that won’t count against the salary cap under the new CBA, and it’s been long speculated Toronto would exercise that option with Komisarek and Liles if other efforts fall through.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Frattin, meanwhile, participated in his first full contact practice Sunday, and looks nearly ready to return from a seven game absence (knee).

The Leafs, if they activate Frattin for Monday’s game against the Devils, could send defenceman Korbinian Holzer to the Marlies to make room on the roster. Holzer is the only Leaf defenceman who doesn’t need to clear waivers to be moved.

Read more about: