Rumor: Leafs 'were close' to acquiring talented defenseman, may still be trying.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been in the rumor mill for several weeks now as the team reportedly continues to shop around the league for help on the blue line, however now we may have a clue regarding one of the names that may be on that shopping list. 

The Fourth Period is reporting that the Maple Leafs "were reportedly close" to acquiring highly talented Canadian defenseman Tyson Barrie from the Colorado Avalanche earlier this summer, although what they were prepared to give up in exchange for that deal remains a mystery. 

That deal obviously feel apart as Barrie remains a member of the Colorado Avalanche, however there are rumors that the Leafs and Avalanche may be revisiting that potential deal. The Fourth Period has been unable to confirm whether or not the Avs and Leafs have reopened those discussions.

If the Leafs are still in on Barrie it sounds like they will have some competition however, according top the report the Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins have all also expressed interest in acquiring Barrie. 

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Despite playing on a struggling team Barrie has continued to produce at an impressive pace from the blue line and this season has been no exception. The 26-year-old former gold medalist has 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points in his first 16 games of the regular season. Those are numbers that are sure to command a lot of interest and a high asking price.