Rumour: Leafs set up to trade for top defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs are setting themselves up to be a top contender this season. With 33 points in 26 games this season the Leafs find themselves only 3 points behind the league's number one spot, currently occupied by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

One of their few struggles as of late has been the sheer amount of shots they've allowed per game, regularly giving up over 30 opportunities to the opposition. Despite that hole in their game, they've managed to win on a regular basis and continue to dominate in the Atlantic division.

The Leafs have long been connected to top defensemen in the rumour mills and most recently they've been associated with Ian Cole in trade talks. The Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman has been the subject of controversy as of late, losing the favour of head coach Mike Sullivan. He's been a healthy scratch as of late, and some top analysts believe this may be because they are trying to keep him healthy. He's the type of player that will throw himself in front of pucks no matter the risk, and play a hard, competitive game - as proven by his performance in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Elliotte Friedman revealed on this week's edition of 31 thoughts that there may be a fit between Pittsburgh and Toronto.

"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.)"

While Friedman alludes to the Leafs' goalie depth and how it could help Pittsburgh with Matt Murray out of action, Pittsburgh's other big need is a scoring center. Could Tyler Bozak, a player hitting unrestricted free agency this summer, be a fit?

He only has 11 points in 26 games htis year, but he did manage 18 goals last year, and as a 3rd line center, could fit in well with the Penguins. 

A return of Ian Cole would serve the Leafs well, and considering the considerable depth Toronto has up front, it would be a worthwhile deal.