In order to acquire Nash, though, the Blue Jackets are asking for defenseman Jake Gardiner, center Joe Colborne, right wing Matt Frattin and a first-round pick, a price tag the Leafs' management brass believes is too high.
Nash is also being heavily courted by the New York Rangers, who refuse to include forward Derek Stepan in a package that includes center Brandon Dubinsky, left wing Chris Kreider and a first-round pick. The Rangers may include left wing Carl Hagelin, a move they're also very hesitant to make.
The Leafs have also shown an interest in Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown, however the Kings are looking for immediate help and could want left wingers Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin in a deal.
With both teams looking to make a push for the playoffs, it's uncertain if such a move could be orchestrated this season, if at all.
One league executive, speaking on the basis of anonymity, told TFP the Leafs would like to get their hands on two top-six forwards, which could also result in them dealing center Mikhail Grabovski.
Grabovski is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and it's reportedly unlikely a deal will be reached in the coming days. The Leafs have been offered a second-round pick and a prospect for the offensive forward, but the team wants a first-round pick.
The Maple Leafs are also eyeing the likes of Dallas Stars forward Steve Ott, Philadelphia Flyers left wing James van Riemsdyk and Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny.
Stastny's high salary might make it difficult for the Leafs to pull the trigger, though the Avalanche has scouted Toronto heavily in the last two months.
More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades
| No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses
| Top 25 Available Players
| Team-by-Team Cap Info
