Report: Maple Leafs among teams interested in Sharks' Middleton

The Toronto Maple Leafs are among several Eastern Conference teams that have inquired about San Jose Sharks defenseman Jacob Middleton, reported TSN's Pierre LeBrun on Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

The Sharks are looking to acquire a second-round pick plus another selection or prospect, LeBrun adds.

The 26-year-old is in the final year of a two-way contract that pays him $725,000 at the NHL level. He's been a revelation for the Sharks this season, slotting into the left side of the team's top-four and logging big minutes alongside Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns.

Middleton has three goals and six assists in 41 games this season. He's averaged 19:01 minutes of ice time per game and ranks second on the team with six blocked shots per 60 minutes. He'll be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the season.