Rumor: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman drops a bomb on Leafs Nation

The rumour mill is spinning out of control these days with daily reports out of Pittsburgh regarding the future of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ian Cole. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has linked the 28-year-old defenceman to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche in trade discussions, but so far no details have emerged.

TSN insider Bob McKenzie indicated late last night that Pens GM Jim Rutherford is likely seeking a quality center in return for Cole, but Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman bucked that suggestion in his 31 Thoughts article yesterday. 

Check it out:

"Mackey reported Colorado, Toronto and Vegas as potential partners. I could see the first two for sure, especially since the Maple Leafs have Calvin Pickard and Garret Sparks in the AHL if the Penguins feel they need a bridge during Matt Murray’s injury hiatus. (But I’m not sure I see Toronto wanting to add term.)"

Interesting. All the talk thus far regarding Cole and the Leafs have had Tyler Bozak going the other way. Could Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello offer up a goaltender instead? Curtis McElhenny has had an up and down start to the season, whereas Garret Sparks and Calvin Pickard have been lights out in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. One thing’s clear, though: Frederik Andersen isn’t going anywhere.

So, what’s your take? Would the Leafs be smart to deal from a position of strength? Or would you rather see Bozak moved regardless?