Beauchemin, Versteeg drawing interest

Multiple reports suggest Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Francois Beauchemin has been drawing a lot of interest from other teams around the NHL.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN was on The Hotstove, CBC's second period intermission show, on Saturday night and said that Beachemin, as well as forward Kris Versteeg, are very likely to be moved before the Feb. 28 trade deadline.

LeBrun said that teams had been "kicking the tires" on both players, but that interest has really picked up lately.

Mike Brophy of Rogers Sportsnet said that Beauchemin is drawing interest from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are reportedly looking to add a defenceman.

Beauchemin, 30, had one goal, 10 assists and a minus-3 rating going into Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres but scored a late third period goal to bring his tally up to two. He has one more year on his contract after this season at $3.8 million. Moving him might be difficult, however, as he has a no-movement clause and modified no-trade clause.

Versteeg, meanwhile, had 14 goals and 19 assists going into Saturday's game. He also has one more year remaining on his contract at about $3.1 million.

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