Report: Leafs entering the Duchene Sweepstakes?

According to a report from BSN Denver’s Adrian Dater, the Toronto Maple Leafs scouting staff were in attendance last night for the Colorado Avalanche versus Dallas Stars matchup. 

With trade talks surrounding Avs forward Matt Duchene heating up lately, could the Leafs be taking a closer look at the talented center? The team is loaded down the middle with Auston Matthews, Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri all playing significant minutes though, so perhaps the Leafs are looking at someone else?

It’s no secret that the Avalanche are in a rebuild mode and it’s also no secret that the Leafs’ front office is hungry for another top pairing defenseman. Could an experienced defender like Erik Johnson fit the bill? Or how about the hot and cold Tyson Barrie? The 26-year-old Barrie has started the 2017-18 season on fire with two goals and six points in just nine games. 

While there are no official reports out of Toronto about whom the Leafs were actually scouting, don’t be surprised if rumors begin to surface as the season drags on.