If fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs harbored hopes GM Brian Burke would pursue Rick Nash by the trade deadline, Burke’s interview on Wednesday with TSN Radio would all but dash them.
Burke declined to comment if he was interested in Nash, citing the league's tampering rules, but did say he had “no firm offers on the table” for the Blue Jackets captain.
That's understandable, as Burke's focus is on the more pressing need of improving Toronto’s goaltending.
In the same interview, Burke admitted he would explore his options before the trade deadline to see if there was something available to help his team right now.
His comments triggered a blizzard of speculation over which goalies he’s targeting. Edmonton's Nikolai Khabibulin, Minnesota's Josh Harding, Vancouver's Cory Schneider, L.A.'s Jonathan Bernier, Nashville's Anders Lindback, St. Louis' Ben Bishop, Florida's Scott Clemmensen, San Jose's Antero Niittymaki and Colorado's J-S Giguere - a former Leaf - are listed as possibilities.
The Toronto Star's Damien Cox reported there was no interest in UFA goalie Marty Turco and no chance the Buffalo Sabres would part with Ryan Miller, or the Blues with Jaroslav Halak.
Burke could be at a disadvantage, as rivals will try to squeeze him for a quality player in return.
Another problem is there aren't many palatable choices for Burke to pursue.
Schneider doesn’t appear to be available and it's doubtful the Predators would move Lindback, who lacks starter experience anyway. The Kings probably want to package Bernier for a scorer and with the Avalanche making a push for the playoffs, it’s unlikely Giguere will go anywhere.
Niittymaki has starter experience, but also a lengthy injury history. Harding and Clemmensen have been employed mainly as backups, while Bishop lacks NHL experience.
That would leave Khabibulin, who has one year at $3.75 million left on his contract, but is currently sidelined with a groin strain.
