Leafs looking to add Talbot?

by Ryan Fancey on June 28, 2011 in Free Agency - 563 Comments

Photo Credit: Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

It looks that way. And perhaps even ahead of time, as we’re only a few days away from July 1st and free agency.

From Nick Kypreos at Sportsnet;

I hear #Leafs are working on trading for #Penguins Max Talbot rights prior to waiting July 1st when he becomes a UFA.

To which Darren Dreger at TSN responded;

Leafs talked earlier with Pens about Talbot’s neg rights, but I’m told they’re now out of the mix. Good player. Will make next team better

Which, to me, basically translates into the Leafs making a real effort to sign this guy on Friday. Perhaps they end up negotiating to land his rights before then, but if not you can still be sure Burke is looking to fill out a potential third line of Bozak, Armstrong and Talbot.

With the Leafs’ PK  in shambles over the past couple of seasons, Talbot brings to the table a real ability to get it done shorthanded. He usually floats around the 10 goal, 12-15 assist area and is seen by many as a guy who can bring a lot of character to the dressing room.

The question now remains what type of salary he’ll be looking for, and if other suitors end up driving up the price of this bottom six player.

Stay tuned

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