NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Top 10 Trade Block

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of work planned after signing Nick Robertson

Darren Dreger: After the Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed forward Nick Robertson, they can expect defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Max Pacioretty to be next in line for the Maple Leafs.

The fourth season: The Toronto Maple Leafs have just over $400,000 in expected salary cap space after re-signing forward Nick Roberson.

Sources say the Maple Leafs may be close to dealing forward Max Pacioretty, who could receive a PTO before the contract because they will need to find cap space.

Defenseman Conor Timmins and his $1.1 million salary are believed to be in the trade zone.

David Pagnotta: It sounds like the Maple Leafs and Max Pacioretty are headed to the PTO and he is expected to later receive a contract – a one-year contract.

The Maple Leafs are working to make a trade.

Frank Seravalli: Max Pacioretty is expected to be a Toronto Maple Leaf this season.

Nick Robertson could still be traded before the season starts

Frank Seravalli: Nick Robertson signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs but it is more likely that he will be traded by the Leafs than he will start the season with.

There is strong interest in the winger and it is easier to trade a player under contract than an RFA.

Dawson Mercer, New Jersey negotiations are slow

The fourth season: David Pagnotta over the weekend that the New Jersey Devils and Dawson Mercer were not close to a deal as of Friday and things were moving slowly.

“It’s slow going, at the moment. They are grinding with another jaw but it looks like there is a lot of work to be done before they reach the finish line.”

The Devils and Mercer camp have talked about a number of options but a temporary deal seems more likely.

Top 10 NHL block board

Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report: The NHL’s top 10 trade block board.

1. Brock Nelson – New York Islanders
2. Rasmus Andersson – Calgary Flames
3. David Savard – Montreal Canadiens
4. Joel Farabee – Philadelphia Flyers
5. Nazem Kadri – Calgary Flames
6. Nicholas Robertson – Toronto Maple Leafs (title before re-signing)
7. Peyton Krebs – Buffalo Sabres
8. Oliver Wahlstrom – New York Islanders
9. Kaapo Kakko – New York Rangers
10. Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks