Brian Burke said the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation will not look any different after the trade deadline.
Despite the recent struggles of James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson the Leafs GM said he is sticking with the tandem.
Head coach Ron Wilson criticized Reimer’s performance Saturday against the Washington Capitals after he let in two soft goals. Burke defended Wilson’s comments saying he wasn’t throwing his player under the bus, just holding him accountable.
“There’s a real risk to quit on Reimer,” Burke said. “He’s a young goaltender. I believe in his ability and his character.”
Other teams across the league also see Reimer’s abilities and have contacted Burke about inquiring the 23-year-old.
“We had a trade offer three days ago, which was turned down flat,” Burke.
Grabovski staying put
Pending unrestricted free agent Mikhail Grabovski will not be traded.
Burke said the Leafs are currently attempting to negotiate a new contract with the Belarusian, but he does not anticipate getting a deal done with Grabovski before the 3 p.m. deadline.
Lupul day-to-day
Winger Joffrey Lupul has a sore right hand, but it is not bad enough to keep him out of action.
The NHL’s ninth leading scorer, with 23 goals and 62 points in 62 games this season, was seen wearing a soft cast prior to practice Monday, but he joined his teammates on the ice and looked healthy. Burke said it is a day-to-day issue.
Gardiner sent down to Marlies
The Leafs plan to send defenceman Jake Gardiner to the Marlies in order for him to be eligible for the AHL playoffs should the Leafs miss the post-season for a seventh consecutive season. The move is a temporary one, however, as the 21-year-old has been playing well of late.
