Leafs Rumors Heating Up

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are not even over yet and trade rumors around the league seem to be picking up steam. Most of them seem to be swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the status of puck-moving defenseman, Tomas Kaberle as the main point of discussion. As I noted on Monday, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch eluded to the availability of Tomas Kaberle, when he addressed a rumor that the Leafs would approach the Blue Jackets with a trade involving Columbus' first round pick.

Brian Burke further fueled speculation Tuesday in an interview on the Fan 590, when he commented that two teams had shown interest that were more than just 'nibbles.' Since then, many Toronto based sports writers have reported on the status of Tomas Kaberle. TSN's Darren Dreger reported that there were as many as five teams showing interest in Kaberle. All of this came after Burke admitted that he had sent an email to the other 29 teams briefing them on his intentions and Kaberle's contract.

In the Fan 590 interview, Burke also made it clear that acquiring a first round pick in this years draft was not his immediate priority, but that a big scoring forward was the target. However, it is still widely believed that Burke will target both on draft day.