Leafs wanting to recover picks willing to eat salary

                A few things Leafs Nation need to know going into next Monday's trade deadline. They are looking to get one or more 2nd round picks. Why? Because they currently have no 2nd round picks in the upcoming draft.

                The Leafs can retain two more contracts between now and June 30. On July 1 that goes up to three contracts (Carl Gunnarsson off the books). If they had a choice they'd like to moved David Clarkson and retain some of his salary (maybe as much as 2 million per year. But we all know the chances of that are slim to none. Another option is if there are no takers for Jokinen the Leafs can eat some salary to lessen the blow (as he like Gunnarsson is a UFA at year’s end)

                Dave Nonis might do the “Brian Burke” next Monday. He might take on a bad expiring contract and get a prospect/pick back with that contract. In other words do another Cody Franson/Matthew Lombardi trade of a few years ago.