As the unofficial second half of the season kicks off and the holiday freeze concludes, the trade market across the NHL is going to heat up, and quickly.
The Toronto Maple Leafs sit in great shape as 2018 approaches. Considering, how they were able to keep the ship afloat while Auston Matthews dealt with some injuries in 2017, the team showed they are as deep as they have ever been.
The depth includes a wide range of pieces that have become favourites of Babcock and could be stated as locks to stick around. The chirps this season about Marner and Nylander not producing are hilarious, as they sit only a couple of points off the pace of their rookie seasons. Kapanen is starting to get some more ice time and his speed is above and beyond anyone else on the club, he’s a piece they need to keep. Kadri has struggled the last few weeks, but the edge he plays with is unlike any other Centre they have, also, Naz’s contract is team-friendly, he stays. Poppa Marleau isn’t going anywhere. Babs favourite player Zach Hyman is a lock to stay. The same can be said for the likes of Rielly, Zaitsev, Hainsey, Borgman and the ‘Maple Danish’ Freddie Andersen.
If the Maple Leafs are going to make a splash on the trade market, which by the sounds of it is exactly what is going to take place in the coming weeks, these could be the pieces on the move:
- Connor Brown – team friendly deal, young, with some serious upside. Will shine with more ice time, but if the Leafs can use one of their “fourth-liners” along with a couple picks and get back a top 4 young d-man, you pull that trigger.
- Leo Komarov – hasn’t had a great year, actually, he’s been terrible. Still hits a ton, but has lost a step this season. No idea how he gets PP time (Matt Martin has more points) but could be a piece a western conference team targets for their playoff run. Very good chance there isn’t room for him next year and it could be time to send Uncle Leo packing.
- Timothy Liljegren – fell on the Leafs lap in the draft and has looked good when he’s not banged up. The biggest name of their young steady-defence in the AHL. If they are going to get an all-star in return, teams are going to ask for him without a doubt.
- Josh Leivo – tremendously talented with a serious release. Ice time is hard to come by for him and if JVR wants too much money, he could be the big body for the front of the net moving forward. But if the Leafs acquire a major-talent, Leivo could be a throw-in.
- 2018 first rounder – giving the Leafs success, this pick will be mid-20’s and should be used in any trade to ensure the piece they get back is legit.
- Jake Gardiner – at over 4 million dollars Jake’s contract isn’t the greatest and considering some nights he looks like Paul Coffey and other nights he hands out more turnovers than your nearest Tim Hortons, it could be time to move on from Jake while he still has decent upside. If the Leafs really want to shake up their D-Core, he’s the first to go.
Those are some pieces that could be on the way out, the likes of Bozak and JVR are likely to stay considering how valuable they will be to the club down the stretch and into the playoffs. Next year, who knows if they are around, but for now, sounds like they are staying.
So what can Lou and Shanny pry away from other teams you ask?
Here are a few names the Leafs could target on the trade market:
1.Oliver Ekman-Larsson – still only 26 and one of the best defenceman nobody watches. Don’t let his -26 fool you, Arizona sucks. Can play in all situations and both sides of the rink. With Arizona still rebuilding it would make sense for them to deal him. Would take at least Liljegren and their first rounder to get the conversation started. After that, the next piece could be interchangeable. Under contract next year at a respectable $5.5 million, worth overpaying for if you have too.
2. Mike Green – he’s having a bounce-back season on a bad team in Motown. Is on pace for 50 points and would be a huge offensive upgrade for the Leafs on their right side. Is a UFA after the season so usually means a young piece not on the big club and a second rounder could get this deal done.
3. Tyler Myers – a huge body which will give the Leafs an element they don’t have. Is having a nice season and is under contract for next at $5.5 sheets. Can play in all situations and would fit nicely in Toronto. The two-time champs in Pittsburgh just acquired their giant from Dallas, could be the Buds turn.
4. TJ Brodie – quietly a solid player. Is on an inconsistent Calgary team who if they are too far back in the standings could move some of their defensive depth for some pieces up front. Connor Brown and a pick could get this deal done, and Brodie is under contract for the next couple of seasons at under $5 million. Could make sense for both clubs in a couple of weeks.
5. Niklas Kronwall – is up there in age and under contract for next season under $5 million which wouldn’t eat too much into the money for the kids moving forward. Obviously, the Babcock connection could go a long way and is an upgrade to Roman Polak. Most people are.
There you have it, a few names to stir over as the trade market heats up across the show.
The Leafs are in a position to make a serious run this season which is probably a year or two ahead of schedule, but who cares about their initial ‘schedule’, plans change, and so do players.
So as we head into what is going to be an interesting 2018 in the NHL, make sure you keep your drags toey and always finish cheddar.
Thanks for stopping by.
Shug McSween
Shug McSween is a veteran here at DeanBlundell.com and has been contributing since day one. A sports nut with a sophisticated opinion, expect McSween to cover any and everything he's passionate about. When he's not busy writing and editing for our crew, McSween likes to get away via fairways and greens. He also contributes to The Hockey Writers, NHLTradeRumors.me and BballRumors.com