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NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs have kicked the tires on Bryan Bickell

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) with the puck during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) with the puck during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly kicked the tires on trading for Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell

The Toronto Maple Leafs have something that a lot of teams would love to have: cap space. They are also a tanking team who are willing to admit that they are one. Toronto has already used a variety of options to get more prospects and picks from teams over the past two seasons.

One of the ways that they have done that is by taking on undesirable contracts. That’s a tactic that they might be using again, as they have reportedly expressed interest in Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell.

From The Star:

"The Leafs kicked the tires on Bickell — who may be finished as an NHLer — and are waiting to hear back from Chicago. The 29-year-old power forward has one year left on a deal with an average cap hit of $4 million (U.S.), which is hurting the Blackhawks’ cap situation. Depending on what the Blackhawks want to do, they might just be desperate enough to sweeten the deal."

Getting Bryan Bickell’s cap hit off the books would allow the Blackhawks to have much more flexibility not just for this season, but next season as well. The Maple Leafs recently accepted the contract of Raffi Torres to sweeten a deal with the San Jose Sharks that netted them two future second round picks. Toronto is even paying him to keep playing for San Jose’s AHL team. It’s an interesting way to do business, but Toronto is one of the most valuable NHL franchises so they can afford it.

Chicago would likely be willing to include a high-level prospect or a high draft pick as a thank you gift to the Maple Leafs for taking Bickell off their hands.

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