NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs rumor mill roundup
By Simon Vacca
Central Division
- Colorado Avalanche — Tyson Barrie
- Minnesota Wild — Jared Spurgeon
- St. Louis Blues — Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko
Speculation surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets has not really aligned with the Leafs’ rumor mill. And while the thought of welcoming one of Alex Pietrangelo or Colton Parayko to Toronto may have seemed realistic in the not-so-distant past, it’s tough to imagine a situation in which the red hot St. Louis Blues would be willing to part with two of its most prized assets.
The writing of Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has prompted increased interest in Tyson Barrie of the Colorado Avalanche. Some have gone so far as to include the Leafs as a potential target to land the esteemed defenseman, but the likelihood of such aspirations being translated into a reality is minimal at best.
The only name emerging from the Central Division that, in my view, remains a noteworthy — but nevertheless far-fetched — topic of consideration is that of Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild. Often a staple of talks regarding improvements to the Leafs’ back end, Spurgeon would provide everything that the Buds need in a defender and more — marrying offensive astuteness with defensive responsibility against top lines on a nightly basis. Yet whether the player is part of Wild GM Paul Fenton’s trade bait — and how he would fit into the Buds’ looming cap crunch — remains to be seen.