After serveral weeks of discussion the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded veteran forwards Mikko Koivu and Patrick Sharp to the Carolina Hurricanes.

"We struggled out of the gate and have been out of the playoff mix so we decided to let the guys have a chance to win," said GM Garrett Hansford.

Joining the Maple Leafs are pending free agent Jiri Hudler, forward Andrej Nestrasil, 3rd and 6th round draft picks. 

"We're still in the marketplace," saidn Hansford.  "We've told Jiri we expect to move him prior to the trade deadline."

In addition to Hudler, Toronto is rumored to also be shopping F Milan Michalek, F Brandon Sutter, F Matt Martin, F Josh Jooris, F Beau Bennett, F Joakim Andersson and G Kari Lehtonen.   

It is believed Toronto would consider dealing James Neal, but Toronto is believed to be looking for a high impact young forward in return for the scoring forward. 

"James is signed long term and has a reasonable contract, so it would really have to be worth our while," said Hansford.