Insider provides conflicting report, all but rules out the Leafs for pursuit of top deadline target

While that still may be true, there is at least one top target that, in TSN's Chris Johnston's mind, likely won't be coming to Toronto - San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier. Johnston stated as much on TSN1050 today, indicating that he doesn't see the Buds as a finalist in the Meier sweepstakes. This, of course, goes against the reporting of Elliotte Friedman, who recently reported that the Leafs do indeed have an interest in bringing in Meier.

Whether it be the competition driving up the cost or the specific pieces that San Jose will want that the Leafs wouldn't be interested in moving, Johnston believes that the Leafs will look elsewhere to fill their need for a top-6 left winger. Obviously, it's not written in stone and there's still several weeks between now and the trade deadline for the Buds to change their minds or to get more involved in the trade negotiations for Meier, but for now, it appears as though Dubas and company will look for what they feel is a better fit.

The Leafs have just over $1.1M in available cap space currently, which can be increased by either going with a 20-man roster for the next couple of months or by dealing someone like Alexander Kerfoot. If Kerfoot is dealt, within the next couple of weeks, it may be a good indicator that the Leafs are big game hunting at the deadline. If not, we may be looking at yet another complimentary move rather than a big name acquisition.