With the trade deadline on a lot of people's minds, trade talks are only going to intensify as the March 8th deadline approaches. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be a magnet for NHL scouting as they look to upgrade on the blueline and yesterday's game against the Winnipeg Jets was a prime example.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period tweeted out that representatives from the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils were all present at Scotiabank Arena last night.
What makes that list even more interesting is that it involves a healthy mix of contending teams and rebuilding teams. The Ducks, Sabres, and Blue Jackets are most certainly looking towards the future, the Coyotes and the Predators are battling for the wild card spots in the Central Division, while the Hurricanes, Stars, Kings, and Devils entered this season with high expectations and are in the thick of a playoff push.
It remains to be seen what the Maple Leafs do at this year's deadline with rumours coming to a standstill, at least compared to last season. At one point, Brad Treliving and company were going after Nikita Zadorov and Chris Tanev, but with so many teams stuck in the middle or in the hunt for the final wild card spot, there are fewer options on the table at this point of the season.
With clubs forcing the issue in recent seasons and making big deals well before the trade deadline date, look for more scouting at upcoming Maple Leafs games with just 6 weeks remaining until the deadline.
