The Chichago Blackhawks apparently need to lsoe another $1.5 million from its roster in order to make room for the contract extensions that are supposedly about to be signed by Patrick Kane(notes), Jonathan Toews(notes) and defenseman Duncan Keith(notes). Rumor has it that the Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs have been talking extensively in the past few months and a deal could happen between the two, according to the Toronto Sun.

One guy who could come over from Chicago is defenseman Brent Sopel(notes), who Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke apparently liked when they wer together with the Vancouver Canucks. Sopel is getting paid $2.33 million and only getting about 14 minues of playing time a gam.

Part of the problem is that the Maple Leafs aren't quite sure of the value of some of its minor-league talent. Center Tyler Bozak(notes) is apparently just coming off having H1N1 and it's unclear if he can play at the top level or not.

Another rumor has veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle(notes) getting moved even though he has a no-trade clause, but Kaberle isn't reportedly interested in going anywhere. "Where is this coming from?" he said. "I'm the wrong guy to be asking (about a trade)."

Burke says he hasn't asked Kaberle to waive his clause - yet.

Source: Toronto Sun