After taking a week to relax, do some boxing day shopping, and enjoy some great world junior games, I am back to normal and so is hockeyleaks. What better way to come back then with some huge leaf rumours, right?
Curtis Joseph will start Tuesday and Thursday for Toronto. This leads to speculation that Toskala could be dealt soon, and that is for good reason.
Late last week I was told from a good source that the Leafs and Blue Jackets were working on a deal that would send Pascal Leclaire to Toronto. These talks are still ongoing, and Brian Burke sees Leclaire as Toronto's possible goalie of the future. With the way Steve Mason has been playing, Leclaire is available.
As for Toskala, three teams are very interested in the goalie. Washington, Colorado and LA. Washington insists that any trade they make involves Theodore going the other way, but that would also mean the Leafs would get more value for Toskala, possibly a first round pick or a very good prospect. Colorado needs goaltending more than ever, while the Kings are currently up in the air with the debut of Jon Quick (the NHLs third star of last week).
Burke has always said he builds teams from the net out, so it makes much sense that his first move as General Manager would be to bring in a new backstop. While no deal is complete, I can say that he is actively discussing several possible deals involving goaltenders and will continue to do so.
Ron Wilson said this morning that he is giving Joseph two games to see if he can find his groove...I smell bullshit.
In other NHL news...
Mats Sundin has arrived in Vancouver. No word yet on when he will make his Canucks debut.
The Senators continue to shop for some help. The Jason Spezza rumours will not go away, while Jay Bowmeister to Ottawa rumours continue to fly.
The Wild continue to slip in the Western standings. The more desperate the Wild become, the cheaper Gaborik will be. Ignore the Gaborik to the Islanders rumours, it's not going to happen (see Eklund). Currently the team closest to landing the off-injured winger?: Pittsburgh.
The Flyers are trying to move Randy Jones.
The Montreal Canadians apparently have interest in Chicago's Martin Havlat, who is the healthiest he's been in a long time. Don't expect Chicago to make a deal until after their amazing win streak is over.
Check Hockeyleaks.com for all the latest
