Report: Leafs expect top six forward in exchange for Gardiner

The Toronto Maple Leafs keep coming up in trade rumors with defenseman Jake Gardiner becoming a touchable asset. During the Insiders on TSN Sunday evening, Darren Dreger reported exactly what the Leafs are looking for if they let Gardiner go in a trade.

"Word on the street is that the Toronto Maple Leafs would expect a top six forward in exchange for Jake Gardiner. Now, you reflect on last night's game against the Montreal Canadiens, those close to the Toronto Maple Leafs say that was Jake Gardiner's best game of the year. 

Jake Gardiner is not being shopped, but teams continue to call particularly when he's used as a healthy scratch. I know the Carolina Hurricanes have expressed considerable interest, the Calgary Flames have expressed interest, the New York Islanders have interest in Jake Gardiner, and there are multiple teams but Dave Nonis is not keenly interested in trading Jake Gardiner, but he will if he gets that right top six forward."

Details continue to trickle out, but there is no movement in terms of a deal in place, or preliminary talks. You can view the entire segment here.