On Saturday night during Hockey Night in Canada, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brain Burke said that winger Mikhail Grabovski will not be dealt at the NHL trade deadline.
Does that end the speculation about the unrestricted free agent? Perhaps. But it doesn't end the questions about whether Grabovski will be with the Leafs next season.
I spoke with Grabovski's agent, Gary Greenstin, about his client's future in Toronto.
Said Greenstin:
"These are his prime years in his hockey contract. Also this is a very important time for the Maple Leafs to make playoffs and Graba will do everything to help them.
"I don't make comments during negotiations and neither do my Clients. I could tell you that Mikhail wants to play for the Leafs for many years and win the Stanley Cup with them and I absolutely agree with him.
"I am positive that we will make a deal, but we have to be patient. We understand their position and I believe that they understand our position, we are more than fair. Of course it has to be right for Mikhail and right for the Maple Leafs."
Grabovski has 18 goals and 22 assists in 56 games, after scoring 29 and 29 in 81 games last season.