Toronto Maple Leafs: Talks Heating up as NHL Draft Nears

With the NHL Entry Draft now just over 24 hours away, the rumours are really starting to heat up, especially when it comes to Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Burke has been attempting to move up for the better part of the last two months. But talks are now finally getting serious, as all of the general managers have arrived in Montreal in anticipation of Friday's draft.

Start with the previously mentioned John Tavares sweepstakes, if you will.  

The New York Islanders have done a fantastic job of not tipping their hand leading into Friday night. You can find people who are adamant that the Isles will take Tavares, and then turn around and find just as many people who feel they will take towering defenseman Victor Hedman.

There is also word that Islanders owner Charles Wang quite fancies Matt Duchene, so your guess is as good as mine.

The only thing we do know for sure is that if the Islanders pick anyone but John Tavares, the feeding frenzy will begin.

There was also the rumour last night where Darren Dreger spoke about the Leafs offering up the seventh overall pick for a "roster player" in the Western Conference.  

After contacting him this morning, though, Dreger wouldn't elaborate with me, no matter how much agony I displayed.

There is also a strong report coming our way this afternoon, as Dreger reported at 3:20 p.m. that the Maple Leafs have received a "significant offer" for Tomas Kaberle, though he said details were sketchy at this point.

Andy Strickland reported yesterday that the Maple Leafs and Coyotes were talking of a deal that involved Tomas Kaberle, but couldn't come to an agreement.

Oh, the NHL offseason. Never a dull moment. Particularly here in Toronto

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