Breaking: Scouts from 14 different NHL teams spotted at a single game.

We have a massive scouting presence at a single National Hockey League game this evening with at least 17 scouts spotted in attendance. 

According to a breaking news report from The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, at least fourteen different NHL teams currently have scouting staff present to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Center.

First it has to be said that the larger than normal scouting presence is almost certainly impacted by the fact that this is the only NHL game on the schedule tonight, however even with that in mind scouts from 14 teams is highly unusual.

The teams that currently have one scout in attendance are the Bostun Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues. Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers. Three teams have at least two scouts on hand and those are the Montreal Canadiens, the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks.

The Blue Jackets primary focus has been to acquire a quality center via trade, meanwhile the Maple Leafs have been looking for a right-handed shot on the blue line. The most likely trade candidates for both teams, at least based on the trade rumors this season, would be Ryan Murray for the Jackets and Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk for the Leafs. 

No word on whether or not any deals are close to materializing, but this level of scouting certainly hints at the fact that something is afoot.

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