Less than a week ago, the Leafs were considered the favourites to land the skilful Washington Capitals defenceman. But, according to various reports, the club has cooled on the idea of adding Gonchar in recent days, feeling that the Capitals' asking price is too steep.
Speculation is the Leafs are now more interested in New York Rangers defenceman Brian Leetch.
According to reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in adding Brian Leetch. (CP Photo)
At 35-years-old, Leetch would demand less in a trade. A package of second-tier prospects would likely bring the two-time Norris Trophy winner to Toronto.
For Gonchar, the Capitals want a top defensive prospect, a high draft choice and a young talented player that can step in and play immediately.
According to the Washington Post, the Avs and Capitals are discussing a package that includes Derek Morris, one of the best-regarded young blue-liners in the NHL.
Highly-touted defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo and strapping forward Nik Antropov are two of the players the Capitals are believed to covet from the Leafs.
The trade could also cost the Leafs' in the pocketbook. Gonchar is eligible for salary arbitration during the off-season so he should get a big raise. He currently makes $3.65 million US per season. The Leafs may have to play double that figure next year.
"To try to get stronger now, the price is very high," said Leafs coach Pat Quinn.
The Leafs also made a move to bulk up for a playoff drive last season, trading away a package of young talented players to the San Jose Sharks for Owen Nolan. The deal didn't pan out. After paying dearly for Nolan, Toronto was eliminated in the first round.
At the time, Quinn was the Leafs' coach and general manager and the risk seemed worth it. Today, he's only the team's coach and unsure whether he'd make that type of trade again.
"Nolan got hurt and was really ineffective in the playoffs and we gave up kids to do it. So you often wonder afterwards, well, was it worth it?
"We want to be around and be a good team for a long time. It's a tough balance. It can happen where you maybe even deteriorate or pull your team down by some deal you might make, " said Quinn, whose Leafs host the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
With 82 points, the Leafs currently sit in a tie with the Bruins in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Both teams sit two points behind conference leaders Tampa Bay, Ottawa and Philadelphia.
The Senators also lead Toronto and Boston by two points in the Northeast Division race.
On Saturday, the Leafs skated to a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. The victory improved Toronto to 6-6-1 for its last 13 games.
The Bruins defeated the Flyers 3-2 on Saturday, to improve their record to 9-1-3-3 in their last 16 games..
