Leafs Rumor

There is word that the Toronto Maple Leafs will actively pursue the Columbus Blue Jackets first round pick (fourth overall) in the 2010 draft. It has been speculated that Toronto might make an offer with veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle as the centrepiece. As the 2010 draft comes closer, speculation that Kaberle could be dealt to improve the Leafs draft position has been widely discussed. After trading their first and second round picks in the 2010 draft to the Boston Bruins in the Phil Kessel trade, the Leafs will not select a player until number 62 is called in the third round.

If Leafs GM Brian Burke is able to grab a first round draft pick, it will be very beneficial to the growth of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, as this draft seems to be quite strong at the forward and defense positions. I think that these trades are possible, but not easy and not without paying a premium price. If the Leafs really want that fourth overall pick, or any first round pick for that matter, they better be ready to give up some quality assets in return.

The biggest stumbling block for this trade, could be that the Blue Jackets want to be assured that Kaberle would stay after his current contract expires at the end of the 2011 season. Here is a link to the Columbus Dispatch website and Aaron Portzline article, who commented on the rumor:

The Columbus Dispatch - Aaron Portzline
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2010/05/boucher_kaberle_etc.shtml