Friedman Gives a Rundown of the Four Main Maple Leafs Deadline Targets

So if not the Kings, then who? Boston's considered the idea, but I don't know how likely that is. Other clubs that make sense, but appear to be out, include Edmonton, Florida and Toronto. I've wondered about Winnipeg.

Gavrikov doesn't fit the Kings, unless he agrees to an extension. But he's gotten interest from Boston, Edmonton and Toronto to some degree. (Always assume there are others I don't think of, or uncover.

I think Edmonton's interested, and has reached out. I think Dallas has considered it. I've wondered about Vegas, and my belief is Toronto wants to know whether or not it's actually in the mix before considering anything. As one GM said Wednesday, «If Patrick Kane is interested in you, you have to think about it.» This is a complicated deal, and I'm not sure how much longer anyone is willing to wait. You don't want to be the abandoned bride at the altar.

At least two teams — Carolina and New Jersey — are pushing on Timo Meier. Undoubtedly, there are more. Toronto has checked-in, everyone's wondering about Vegas, and one coach said Peter DeBoer's knowledge from San Jose makes Dallas a factor, although I've got no idea if the Stars could do it.