The Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing their quest to acquire a veteran goalie before the NHL trade deadline. They have been in discussion with multiple teams about trade options and are now reaching out to the Calgary Flames about getting goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. While the two sides are not close to coming to terms with a deal, the discussions are ongoing and a trade could happen within the week.
Toronto general manager Dave Nonis has been vocal about his desire to get a veteran and not a younger player. The team's search began before the season even started but Nonis was never able to get a deal in place.
The team first began talks with the Vancouver Canucks about getting goalie Roberto Luongo, however nothing formal was ever done. The Canucks seemed reluctant to let go of Luongo despite being confident in backup Cory Schneider. The two sides struck up conversation again at the end of March about a possible trade. Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis initiated the trade talks, but Toronto wants the asking price for Luongo to go down before they consider him.
Kiprusoff has one year remaining on his current contract with Calgary. At 36-years old, Toronto would not have to give the goalie an extreme long-term contract. They could sign him for a relatively low amount.
The one thing that could stall the trade is Kiprusoff's unwillingness to play right now. His wife just had a baby and he is not playing due to family reasons. Kiprusoff reportedly had no intention of playing the final year of his contract regardless of where that is. His agent informed the Flames that the team must first consult with the veteran before they finalize a deal to trade him.
It is unknown what kind of vetoing power Kiprusoff would have of a trade, but if it is unable to happen, Toronto would likely make a move for Luongo. Schneider is looking more like the lock to remain the starting goalie for the Canucks with each game he plays, leaving Vancouver no need to carry the weight of Luongo's large contract.
