With just over $5.6 million in cap space, the Leafs could make the numbers work in a deal for Forsberg with some simple retention, as he only carries a cap hit of 6 million for the remainder of the season.
Although Dubas is not keen on rental players, when a player of Forsberg's caliber becomes available, it's almost obligatory to check in on the asking price. Forsberg currently has 26 goals and 44 points in 39 games for the Preds and would help alleviate some of the pressure on Toronto's big four come playoff time, because as we know, if/when the well dries up in the postseason, that's a problem. Not only would Forsberg's talent help solidify the Leafs' top-6, but he is used to the "playoff" hockey all year round, as the Western Conference tends to be a tough and physical conference to play in all year round.
The coming weeks should be full of intrigue and speculation, but Dubas prefers to make his deals well before the deadline so it would not be surprising if he makes a big splash in the near future. Stay tuned.