NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs & Blackhawks Talking Trade

According to rumors out of Toronto the Maple Leafs have had several trade conversations with the Chicago Blackhawks. And while Leafs Nation is likely hoping the talks are surrounding either Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews, it turns out Sam Lafferty may be the player of interest here.

Lafferty is a bottom-six forward who plays the game hard. The 27-year-old is signed through next season at $1.15 million per season. Lafferty has appeared in 40 games this season for the Blackhawks, recording seven goals and 16 points.

The former fourth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins has played in 180 career NHL games for the Penguins and the Blackhawks. He's currently having a career season and finds himself on the trade market thanks to his affordable contract.

Recently Maple Leafs reporter Jonas Seigel had this to say regarding the market for Lafferty:

Couple Lafferty’s reliable bottom-six game with an affordable contract ($1.15 million cap hit through the 2023-24 season), and he’s expected to draw some interest at the trade deadline. The Blackhawks are open to listening on nearly everyone.

The Maple Leafs and Blackhawks have done business together in the past and have been in touch several times in the past few weeks. Lafferty to the Leafs? How does Leafs Nation feel about that?