Rumor: Maple Leafs Reject Flames Trade Offer

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames are battling it out in the North Division this season and by the sounds of it, their general managers have their own thing brewing on the phone lines.

The Flames are trying to move forward Sam Bennett, who has made it known to everyone he wants out, and the Maple Leafs have been linked to Bennett, something that dates back to his draft year, thanks to a relationship with Doug Gilmour. Ever wondered why Bennett wears #93....now you know.

While the Leafs are certainly interested in Bennett, as every insider has reported, they aren't interested in overpaying. From all accounts that's what the Flames are trying to get the Leafs to do.

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, he feels the Leafs could land Bennett in a deal, if they are willing to include Alexander Kerfoot and another piece. 

Leafs could use a player like the available Sam Bennett. They need some edge on their third line. They wouldn’t be able to get Bennett 1-for-1 for Alex Kerfoot, but if they could sweeten the pot just a little, they might be able to find a deal here … Bennett, by the way, played on a Marlies super team in the GTHL that had Connor McDavid, Josh Ho-Sang and Roland McKeown on it.

At this point all indications point to the Leafs not being interested in Kerfoot plus another piece, and have interest in moving Travis Dermott and Pierre Engvall instead.

Keep an eye on these two teams as they continue to work the phones and if Bennett does end up traded this season, it's likely the Maple Leafs are at the top of his wish list.

Photo credit: Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire