He's listening.
Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli says that over the past couple of days, teams have inquired about his interest in trading the second overall pick in this month's NHL draft.
Chiarelli also says he talked to Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini on Wednesday about the potential of flipping picks. Chiarelli adds they will talk again soon.
Burke Listening Too
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently sent an email to NHL teams acknowledging defenceman Tomas Kaberle is available.
The email outlined Kaberle's contract status and reminded general managers that Kaberle's no-trade clause will lift at the upcoming NHL Entry Draft and will return in August.
The email sparked interest, with as many as five teams currently inquiring about the Leafs asking price; two of the teams are said to be keenly interested.
Toronto is seeking either a first-round draft pick, or a young player capable of immediately stepping into the Maple Leafs' lineup.
The Leafs would like to acquire a first-round pick to jump into this year's draft mix, but Leafs management says such a move isn't a priority.
At the moment, sources say there are no firm offers and no team has been given clearance to speak to Kaberle's agent Rick Curran about a contract extension.
There is no urgency to move Kaberle, who has one year remaining on his contract, and extending his deal is also considered an option as the veteran defenceman has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto.
However, there will be no extension discussions before the Leafs get a good read on what teams are willing to give up in trade for Kaberle in the coming weeks.
TSN.ca Note: It's your turn to express how you feel. That's Hockey's Gino Reda wants to know; "Should the Leafs trade Kaberle this summer? Or keep him for the final year?" Tweet him at http://twitter.com/GinoRedaTSN, and select responses will be read this evening on That's Hockey at 7pm et/4pm pt.
