Report: Flames & Maple Leafs Linked To Trade

The Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs could pull off a trade this season, and expect to see defenceman Zach Whitecloud included. The Leafs have been monitoring Whitecloud's future with the Flames since last summer, as trade talks engaged shortly after the free-agency period opened.

Entering the third week of the season, the Flames have yet to win a game, and the Maple Leafs have a need on defence. Chris Tanev left Saturday's game with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Trade talks on Whitecloud are going to ramp up in a major way.

David Pagnotta: Re Maple Leafs: The previous regime had a lot of interest in Zach Whitecloud; I believe there've been at least exploratory inquiries; I believe they're one of the teams that would look at him - DFO Insider (10/7)

Whitecloud, 29, has this season and next on his contract at just under $3 million AAV. The right-handed blueliner doesn't own any trade protection, and can be moved at will. Whitecloud's averaged 20:05 of ice-time per game as a Flame this season, and has yet to chip in with any points. He's eating up 2:52 of shorthanded time per game for the Flames, and has landed nine hits, while blocking nine shots.

The Maple Leafs have some cap space to work with thanks to Max Domi and Elvis Merzlikins being on LTIR, and that could be where Tanev's headed as well. The rugged defenceman hasn't been able to stay healthy the past two seasons, so this wouldn't be the same ol' story the Leafs are looking for this season.

Whitecloud to Toronto? Keep an eye on it, talks are heating up in Calgary as the Flames' tear down continues.