Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors: Latest Updates and More

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We are only two weeks from the NHL trade deadline and no big moves have been made as of yet. One general manager who wants to make sure that his team makes a deal is Brian Burke.

Burke usually likes to make his trades in the month of January, so it's already late in his book and he will be pushing real hard to make a deal that will improve his team. If he doesn't, the Leafs young roster will be making the playoff push on their own with their only reinforcements being other young players.

What could Burkie be thinking? Here are the latest rumors I have found.

All Quiet on the Trade Front

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As per Bob McKenzie, the chances of the Leafs doing nothing before the trade deadline are going up everyday. With a lot of teams not making the decision to become sellers until the last minute, there might not be much time for the Leafs to make any moves.

If Brian Burke is confident that the team he has now can make the playoffs, he will have to be whether he wants to or not.

Los Angeles Interested in MacArthur & Kulemin

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Darren Dreger of TSN noted that the Los Angeles Kings are interested in Maple Leaf forwards Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin.

If in fact they are and they want both of them in one deal, you have to wonder what the Leafs would want in return. Dreger apparently didn't list any return, but if I were to ponder a guess, I would say it would be a current roster player and a first- or second-round pick.

Nash or Carter?

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The rumor that just won't go away.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun brought up the fact that the Leafs could be after Rick Nash or Jeff Carter of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Well, here's one reason for each player as to why it will never happen. For Carter, Brian Burke is not going to take on that type of contract, if he was willing to, Brad Richards would be a Leaf. In Nash's case I will believe he will be traded when he calls a press conference and demands a trade out of Columbus.

Overpay for Ruutu?

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Tuomo Ruutu is arguably the biggest name on the trade market this year and of course he has been linked to the Maple Leafs. He may be the ideal acquisition for the Toronto Maple Leafs but what the Carolina Hurricanes are asking for in return might be a little high.

Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star is the latest to suggest this rumor. If the Leafs are to pay the Hurricanes asking price, the Leafs would have to send one of Nazem Kadri or Joe Colborne along with a first-round pick Carolina's way to acquire Ruutu.

I for one think the 'Canes are asking too much for Ruutu and unless the price goes down, the Leafs should stay away from him.

Burke and Penner Reunited?

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Dustin Penner has been a disaster for the Los Angeles Kings. After being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers at last year's trade deadline for a hefty ransom, the Kings have been trying to trade him for pretty much the entire season.

If the Kings are dead set on getting rid of him, they could end up giving him up rather cheaply and as Bob Mitchell suggests the Leafs could be interested in Penner. With the connection between Brian Burke and Penner, it could help the negotiations between Toronto and LA.

Since the Leafs will more than likely have to give up a roster player to open up a roster spot for Penner, it should be no problem for both teams.