Rumor: Maple Leafs and Wild Talking Trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun their attempt to replace Wayne Simmonds for the next six weeks and according to sources with MLSE, have contacted the Minnesota Wild about forward Ryan Hartman.

Hartman plays a tough physical game which the Maple Leafs were loving having Simmonds in their lineup. While the offensive upside may not be the same, Hartman appears to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Leafs. So far this season for the struggling Wild, the 26-year-old South Carolina native has recorded three points in 11 games.

Last season with Minnesota, Hartman finished the year with 20 points in 69 games and also spent 69 minutes in the penalty box.

Hartman is in the final year of his current contract, paying him $1.9 million this season. He's headed for restricted free-agency next offseason.

The Maple Leafs having been testing the market on Travis Dermott and Pierre Engvall recently, so there's certainly a chance, one or both are headed to Minny in any deal.

Photo credit: Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire