The Boston Bruins are reportedly looking for another deadline deal with the Leafs as they look to push for the post-season, this time adding a veteran blueliner.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube relies heavily on Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Now a massive division rival is knocking on the door.

Elliotte Friedman dropped the massive rumor Wednesday on the NHL Network. The Boston Bruins are officially kicking tires on the veteran Swedish blueliner.

Detroit is also firmly in the mix. But a direct Toronto-Boston transaction always moves the needle and causes chaos among the fan base.

General manager Brad Treliving isn't going to give away his active roster players for free. The asking price is appropriately steep for a guy playing big minutes.

Management wants at least a first-round pick in return. They need to maximize their return if they weaken their own roster just ahead of the playoffs.

Maybe there is a perfect path to a deal with the Bruins. The Maple Leafs could demand the exact same first-round pick they recently sent to Boston in the Brandon Carlo deal.

Getting the Bruins front office to agree is only half the equation. The player still holds all the cards in this scenario.

Ekman-Larsson has a say in where he goes

Ekman-Larsson has a strict 16-team no-trade clause baked into his deal. He dictates exactly where he goes.

Word out of the locker room is clear. He absolutely doesn't want to pack his bags and leave Toronto right now.

He likes the current group and fits perfectly in their transition game. Convincing him to waive that clause for a bitter division rival will be a massive headache.

Financially, any acquiring team has to be prepared for a multi-year commitment. He has two full years left on his contract after this season wraps up.

Carrying a $3.5 million cap hit is solid value. It's an easy number to swallow for a legitimate contender needing a puck-mover on the blue line.

With Ekman-Larsson signed for another two seasons beyond this one, the Leafs are in no rush to trade him. But, they, along with everybody else knows that his value will never be higher.

Regardless, expect Sweeney to try to fleece the Leafs for the second consecutive deadline.