A potential trade opportunity has presented itself for the Leafs

Friedman had stated during the broadcast that the Canes do not have any intentions of retaining any of Bear's $2.2M cap hit, despite the fact that they currently have ample cap space available at the moment - $6.8M with a full 23-man roster.

Part of the issue for the Canes is that they have both Max Pacioretty and Jake Gardiner on LTIR, who combine for a little over $11M against the cap when healthy. If they were to retain any salary on Bear, it would further complicate matter if/when Pacioretty and Gardiner are ready to re-join the team.

The Leafs and Canes, believe it or not, actually make a lot of sense as trade partners here. Despite the fact that they're in the same conference, the Leafs have an abundance of forwards that could be of use to Carolina and Bear, being a right-shot defenseman, could be a solid fit for the Leafs, who currently only have one active blueliner who shoots right (Justin Holl).

As far as a swap that could make a lot of sense for both sides and still fit from a cap perspective, Pierre Engvall for Ethan Bear are both pending UFAs, both carry similar cap hits (Engvall $2.25M, Bear $2.2M) and they're a similar age, with Engvall being 26 and Bear being 25.

Such a trade would allow the Leafs to roll out a D corps consisting of Rielly, Brodie, Sandin, Holl, Giordano and Bear, with Victor Mete still available as the team's 7th defenseman. It doesn't solve any problems once the Leafs are at full health on the blueline though, as the team already has Rielly, Brodie, Sandin, Holl, Giordano, Mete, Benn, Liljegren and Muzzin. Adding Bear to this group would only add to the log jam on the back end. However, if Muzzin's injury is expected to keep him out of the lineup longer term, having an extra NHL defenseman around certainly wouldn't hurt - especially a right-shot defenseman.

Bear played just 58 games for the Hurricanes last season, scoring 5 goals and adding 9 assists for 14 points. He was also a +1 on the season. Unfortunately, with Brent Burns now in the fold in Carolina, Bear is the odd man out.