It's widely assumed across the NHL that of the various Maple Leafs defenseman potentially on the trade block, Cody Franson, the big pending unrestricted free agent who, according to various reports, is playing hardball on an extension with the team, is the most likely to be dealt.
Another player that has heard his name increasingly bandied about in NHL trade rumors, however, is captain and defensive stalwart, Dion Phaneuf.
Teams are, of course, interested in acquiring a player of Phaneuf's capabilities, but, much like Franson, none have yet agreed to match the Leafs' significant asking price.
TSN's Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox, appearing on a recent episode of Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada, revealed that while teams like L.A. have been showing interest in Phaneuf, it may actually be that the Detroit Red Wings bear watching when it comes to a potential NHL trade deadline deal for the big blueliner.
"...you have to look at the Detroit Red Wings, who have shown that they are interested in Cody Franson," said Cox, per NicholsOnHockey.com. "They aren't interested in the price the Leafs are asking for, believed to be a first round pick. Would they also look at Dion Phaneuf? They'd like to add a top-4. One thing is true though: Detroit not interested in parting with either one of their top prospects - Dylan Larkin or Anthony Mantha. Those guys are untouchable."
Detroit GM Ken Holland's disinterest in dealing either Lakrin or Mantha is unsurprising and well documented. A player like Phaneuf won't come cheap, in terms of trade compensation or financial commitment - he recently signed a seven-year, $49 million contract extension - so it's hard to predict what the Leafs would ask and what the Wings would be willing to include in a package.
While it's more likely a deal like this gets done in the offseason, the Wings and Holland continue to scour the NHL trade market for a defensive upgrade and have, apparently, decided to leave no stone unturned.
