Rumor: Teams calling Leafs for goalie help

The recent rash of injuries to starting goaltenders around the NHL has forced some general managers to pick up the phone and make some calls this week, according to a report from Toronto Maple Leafs reporter Mike Augello. 

With the Pittsburgh Penguins losing starter Matt Murray for weeks, the Edmonton Oilers facing a pressing situation with Cam Talbot and Florida Panthers starter Roberto Luongo apparently on the shelf long term, could these teams come looking to the Leafs for help between the pipes?

When Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello astutely acquired Calvin Pickard from the Vegas Golden Knights for minor leaguer Tobias Lindberg, he solidified the teams’ goaltending depth and paved the way for a future deal. With Frederik Andersen locking down the #1 spot, the Leafs have three potential backup options between Pickard, Garret Sparks and current backup Curtis McElhinney.

Augello reports that teams are interested in the Leafs’ backup trio, and that each one has a unique appeal. McElhinney is signed to a reasonable deal for next season, Pickard has RFA protection and Sparks has serious NHL upside. So… who do the Leafs move and what’s a fair return? Could they pry Ian Cole away from the Penguins in exchange for a goaltender? Or how about a mid-round pick from the Oilers or Panthers?