Reichel, Leafs interest each other

By LANCE HORNBY -- Toronto Sun A fast start has not stopped the Maple Leafs from trying to improve themselves up front.
There have been trade discussions this week between the Leafs, the Phoenix Coyotes and Paul Kraus, the agent for Group 2 centre Robert Reichel, who would have to agree to a new contract before anything else.
"We've talked ... that's all I'm going to say," Kraus said yesterday.
Bill Watters, the Leafs assistant to the president, would not comment on the subject. But sources say Reichel's price, reported to be between $3 million and $3.5 million US a season, is just as repugnant to the Leafs as it was to Phoenix general manager Bobby Smith.
It's unclear what Phoenix would seek in the accompanying trade and if Toronto is trying to unload Derek King or ex-Jets/Coyotes' captain Kris King.
Reichel, who quit playing for HV Litvinov in his native Czech Republic last week to protect his NHL status, had 69 points last year and can play left wing. Smith might let Reichel stew and then try again to sign him later this season, a strategy Kraus opposes.
"What, (Smith) is going to torture him all year, screw around with him all year, and then we're going to kiss and make up? That's not how things work," Kraus said.

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