Here's my 2 cents on the whole top 6 forward search by Brian Burke. Do the Leafs really need a top 6 forward considering they have forwards such as Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Clarke MacArthur, Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. They do say the best trade is the trade never made and on that note, don't the Leafs have Nazem Kadri who was sent to the Marlies? (He is on the team because Armstrong is on the IR). Kadri is a guy who could develop into a top 6 forward and his vision, speed and play-making skills can be used on one of the top 2 lines. So why would the Leafs be interested in another 'top 6 forwards' such as Bourque? What Burke is truly interested in is a No. 1 centre, though it is hard to find such players in the 'new NHL'. Burke will only be able to acquire his centre in a trade that lands him a prospect who is 1-2 years away from being 1st line NHL ready. Names that come to mind could include Kyle Turris, Derek Stepan and Brayden Schenn, though the latter might be harder to acquire. Although many were not fond of the Tim Connolly signing, (due to injury issues and high salary), he will serve as a stopgap until Burke finds that centre of his liking. Burke now has 8 NHL ready defensemen along with a few prospects (goaltenders and forwards), which can be used towards a deal. So why say you're interested in a 'top 6' instead of a 'centre'? Garners more interest towards your assets. This is probably how the Bourque rumor got leaked; Calgary was interested in one of the defenseman.
Hit me up on twitter with your thoughts: @ShakeelSalamath
