The NHL's trade deadline is now just over 4 weeks out and by this point in past seasons, the Leafs had already completed a trade or were zeroing in on their target. However, this year, Kyle Dubas appears to be a little more reluctant to pull the trigger on a deal than he has in the past. Of course, it could be that he's being a little more meticulous than in past years as he does his homework to ensure that the Buds are bringing in the right piece and not just a big name.
The Leafs have been linked to just about every big name out there, but hey - what else is new? This week, however, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta is reporting that the Leafs could end up going out and getting Detroit's Tyler Bertuzzi at this year's deadline.
The Leafs aren't alone in their reported interest in Bertuzzi, as Pagnotta also revealed that the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames are both potentially in on Bertuzzi as well.
It's not a foregone conclusion that Bertuzzi is the piece that the Leafs will end up getting, nor is it a foregone conclusion that the Leafs will pony up the significant pieces that it might take to acquire Timo Meier. For now, all we can do is sit and wait as the rumous pile up. The ball, as they say, is in Dubas' court. We're merely spectators.