Toronto Maple Leafs: 10 Storylines to Follow This Seasons

Feb 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Olli Jokinen (11) skates with the puck as Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd (16) follows at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Jets 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Who Goes at the Trade Deadline?

It was expected that the Leafs would be sellers at the trade deadline especially with the veteran players that they picked up during free agency. Last season the team moved Cody Franson, Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik, David Clarkson, Korbinian Holzer, and Olli Jokinen for a first round pick, Brendan Leipsic, Jokinen, Zach Sill, a second and fourth round picks, T.J. Brennan and Nathan Horton. This season the Leafs could be in the same position to move expiring contracts for future assets especially the teams that are looking for upgrades heading into the playoffs.

Nov 17, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward

(15) skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Now it may be too early to say who gets moved because it is only November but it does not hurt to keep an eye on certain players as the season moves forward.  In terms of expiring contracts the Leafs have Michael Grabner, Shawn Matthias, Nick Spaling, P.A. Parenteau, Brad Boyes, and Roman Polak as expiring UFAs. Could the Leafs move all six of those players?

Mar 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach

stands behind Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43), right wing

(19) and center

(42) during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Maple Leafs, 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Last season they moved six players so it has been done the question is whether it will be worth it to move these players because it is unknown what teams are looking for at the moment. If Boyes can find a way to put up points his contract becomes enticing to playoff teams that do not have a lot of cap space but realistically what would a team pay for him? Boyes would definitely appreciate going to a Stanley Cup contending team but how much will those teams pay for him? Being a defenceman Polak could be an attractive target especially for those who lack a big defensive defenceman. It would not surprise me if a member of the core gets dealt as well like Tyler Bozak, Gardiner or Kadri because their value is higher now and the team may try to capitalize on that.

Trade rumours probably won’t start coming in until mid-January when teams are more certain about what they need or if injuries start to hurt particular teams. However expect the Leafs to be busy again especially with the team’s desire to accumulate as many draft picks as possible.

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