Rumors surrounding the leafs have gone around a possible trade of exelby for a forward. Perhaps the most intruiging one involves Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks. It is believed that ther is talk between the clubs for a potential trade including these players. The hawks are keen on finding a stay-at-home defender and to shed some salary. The leafs, meanwhile, are looking to acquire a young, top six forward via trade. Exelby is just the kind of dman the hawks need. Sharp is young and can put up decent numbers. He's more expensive than exelby so chicago can free up cap space. Of course, it wont be a straight up trade but will include picks and prospects. I am hearing from multiple sources that this could very well happen soon.