We are in the home stretch of trading season, and that means even when our eyes should be focused on the Leafs playing the Penguins, trade rumours are happening in the background. Here’s a bit of a breakdown of what we have for you tonight…

That’s certainly something. Namestnikov is a pending UFA making $3.25M this year, and has 25 points in 54 games. Along with Malgin, he represents a potential backfill for Andreas Johnsson, modest addition for the playoffs, or a safety net if the Leafs want to move on from Kapanen or Kerfoot in the coming days. Namestnikov would be somewhat of a depth acquisition not costing the Leafs a ton, and based on the minor league trades from yesterday, we know the Senators and Leafs have been talking to each other.

First off, I truly like that first sentiment about moving Barrie for someone who works for the Leafs or picks and prospects they could flip for their need. We’ve been saying a lot of that on this site for a while.

Secondly, while the Canucks are interested, the fact that they don’t have a 1st or 2nd round pick in the draft this year is a bit of a barrier. And I can’t imagine anyone in Leafs land feeling good about moving on from Tyson Barrie in order to add Troy Stecher.

While Barrie’s name finally being out there has a lot of appeal, I guess we’ll have to see if any serious offers appear, because the Canucks probably don’t have the assets to pull it off.