All kinds of rumours floating around Mtl in regards to their beloved habs. Bergevin did work his magic recently in re-signing Beaulieu and Mitchell to low-ball deals. But he's got about only $2 million left to re-sign Galchenyuk. Tinordi also needs to be re-signed, but he won't cost much and probably will get traded soon. Still no bonafide #1 center to feed Pacioretty. Counting Price & Tockarski's salaries, they have about $40 million of their cap invested on defence, which is way too much. So they'll need to make up some cap space.
Word is that they'll try to trade Plekanec, Desharnais, Markov and Eller. Plekanec has two years left, so the time to trade him is now since his value will never be higher. According to Bob McKenzie, there is no market for the other two centers (DD and Eller) and Markov will be very difficult to trade since he's got a limited no-movement contract. I doubt he'll agree to be traded since he's planning to retire in Mtl and his model girlfriend resides there and it's doubtful she'll agree to move.
There are all kinds of rumours flying that they're after Geno Malkin, Joe Thornton or Phil Kessel. The only fit i'd see out of those three is Malkin, but it'll be too difficult to get him under the cap even if they trade two of their top-paid players. Plus Pittsburgh will never trade him to a team based in the east unless they are blown away by an offer. It won't happen.
By the way, i heard yesterday that Carl Soderberg of the Bruins is one player that the Leafs (and other teams) might go after. He's not expected to remain in Boston. The Bruins have cap issues to deal with. I stated months ago that it wouldn't surprise me to see Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic dealt away and i'm still sticking to this prediction. But Chara will be difficult to trade due to his age and salary.