Red Wings reportedly out on trade for Dion Phaneuf
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The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be a team to keep an eye on prior to the NHL's trade deadline.
Captain Dion Phaneuf is believed to be drawing interest on the trade market, with the Detroit Red Wings being among a group of three teams most interested in acquiring the defenseman, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.
Phaneuf's contract may be prohibitive as he's due $7 million per season through the 2020-21 season. As such, Toronto would need to take a contract back, with forward Stephen Weiss' name popping up as a candidate to be dealt.
Due to the nature of Phaneuf's contract, the Maple Leafs are limited in terms of where they can send him:
#mapleleafs Dion Phaneuf has a list of 12 teams where he would agreed to be traded. #transaction2015
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) March 2, 2015
In 51 games this season, Phaneuf has three goals and 20 assists.
Update: Any potential deal may come down to the last minute as the Maple Leafs appear to have set the bar high in terms of their asking price.
As of now, Wings feel price too high on Phaneuf. Won't go anywhere unless price drops.
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 2, 2015
Darren Dreger has since reported that the Red Wings and Maple Leafs were unable to work out the logistics and a deadline deal appears unlikely.