Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has the salary cap space to sign a player to an offer sheet. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)

The seemingly minor exchange of draft picks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday has hockey blogs buzzing that Brian Burke is planning to make a big splash.

The Maple Leafs general manager acquired a second-round pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft from Chicago in exchange for a third round pick in the 2011 draft, one Toronto received from Calgary.

As a result, the Maple Leafs now have first-, second-, and third-round picks in the next draft, a prerequisite for attempting to sign another team's restricted free agent to an offer sheet.

Toronto has previously been linked in trade speculation with forward Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are pressed against the salary cap, with Kessel currently unsigned.

"I’ve got nothing to say about any of it,’’ Burke told the Boston Globe after the swap of picks. “Sorry, I’m just not going to go there.’’

The 21-year-old Kessel, who is currently on the mend from a shoulder injury, posted career high numbers of 36 goals and 24 assists last season.

Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli expressed disappointment at the media at the NHL entry draft in June, when Kessel's name was published in a rumoured deal that never materialized. Veteran Toronto defenceman Tomas Kaberle was also linked to the proposed deal.

Earlier this week, Chiarelli took aim at Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, accusing him of trying to negotiate via statements made through the media.

It is believed Kessel will want a salary greater than $4 million US per season.

The Maple Leafs have the salary cap space to pitch an offer, although Burke previously railed long and loudly against what he deemed an inflationary practice when general manager with Anaheim.

Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe signed Ducks forward Dustin Penner in 2007, an offer sheet that Burke declined to match.

There has been speculation San Jose was interested in Kessel after the Sharks shed salary nine days ago by trading defencemen Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to Vancouver for two prospects not yet in the NHL, but general manager Doug Wilson hasn't commented.

NHL offer sheets have been rare, particularly with more teams locking up their best players and preparing to ride out some belt-tightening times.

Last year, Vancouver and St. Louis traded offer sheet bids, but to no avail. David Backes remained with the Blues after St. Louis matched the offer, and Steve Bernier was later retained by the Canucks.

Teams have seven days to decide whether to match or decline an offer sheet.