Maple Leafs And Blackhawks Looking To Deal

The Toronto Star reported that Leafs' GM Brian Burke received an e-mail just minutes after signing Francois Beauchemin. Burke later stated that it was from a team looking to acquire a "lesser defenceman." Since then, there have been rumors circulating that the team that sent the e-mail was the Chicago Blackhawks. This should not shock anyone, as each of these teams have an overabundance of what the other doesn't.

The Blackhawks are loaded at forward: Bolland, Hossa, Kane, Toews, Sharp, Versteeg, Kopecky, Ladd, Madden, Byfuglien, etc... They also have proven role-players such as Ben Eager, Adam Burish, and Troy Brouwer.

The Maple Leafs blueline is packed with talent: Beauchemin, Komisarek, Kaberle, Schenn, White, Van Ryn, Finger, and Exelby. Throw in Frogren, and you have an overcrowded back end.

Trade Scenarios

First, let's identify the guys who are "untouchable."

Chicago: Hossa, Toews, Kane, and Bolland

Toronto: Komisarek, Beauchemin, and Schenn

Scenario 1) Chicago receives Garnett Exelby and prospects for Patrick Sharp

This is the scenario that I hope happens. Exelby is the physical, stay-at-home defenceman that Dale Tallon is looking for. This move would also free up about $3 million in cap money. Toronto would in return get a guy who is a legitimate 40 goal scorer, which they desperately need.

Scenario 2) Chicago receives Garnett Exelby and prospects for Kris Versteeg

In this scenario, the Leafs would receive the Calder Trophy candidate. Versteeg is an enigma. He is a talented scorer, but hapless without the puck. This could be something he grows out of, or not. I don't know if the Hawks would let this young guy go, especially since they don't really know what they have in him.

Scenario 3) Chicago receives Tomas Kaberle for ?

STOP!!! Don't even think this is going to happen. Kaberle is not the type of defender that the Hawks are looking for. They want someone who is rough, hard-hitting. Also, the Hawks are looking to shed salary. Kaberle makes $4.25 million a year!

All we can do is sit back and see what happens. Maybe Burke and Tallon get something done. Maybe someone makes Chicago a better offer. There are always teams looking for scorers, and the Hawks have them in spades.