Maple Leafs rejected Oilers trade-deadline proposal

Sounds like the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs were discussing some big trade proposals ahead of March's trade deadline.

Multiple reports have surfaced that the Oilers and Maple Leafs were engaged in advanced trade talks leading up to the trade deadline, centered around Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse, and Scott Laughton and Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs.

It didn't get to the point of Rielly and Nurse being asked to waive their no-movement clauses, but sources have indicated the Oilers were fully committed to approaching Nurse if the Leafs were happy with their offer. Word is Leafs' GM at the time, Brad Treliving, was holding firm on the Oilers including a draft pick and top prospect in the trade, and Stan Bowman wouldn't bite.

Laughton was eventually dealt to the Los Angeles Kings for a second-round pick, meanwhile, Nurse and Rielly are two prime trade candidates to be moved this offseason. It sounds like both teams are open to reshaping their bluelines and both veteran defencemen could be on new teams come September.

David Pagnotta: Re Darnell Nurse/Oilers: They offered him up to at least one team, that team said no; Edmonton spoke to Toronto ahead of the deadline to try to make that happen - Oilersnation Everyday (5/5)

As for Laughton, he's a pending UFA and does have interest returning to the Maple Leafs, so it will be curious to see how Mats Sundin and John Chayka approach free agency, and reshaping their third line. With Gavin McKenna coming for their top six, the focus for the Leafs will solely be on their blueline, and creating a shut-down line within their bottom six.

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