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Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Potential Trade Partners to Improve the Blueline

By David Morassutti

Nov 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) juggles the puck on his stick before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) juggles the puck on his stick before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Oct 13, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) reacts to scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins in the second period at Nationwide Arena. The Bruins won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus is in a tricky position when the expansion draft comes around. They will have to make some tough decisions, especially when it comes to their defence.

When you look at the list of players that will be protected there is Brandon Saad, Brandon Dubinsky (NMC), Nick Foligno (NMC), Scott Hartnell (NMC), Boone Jenner, David Clarkson (NMC), Fedor Tyutin (NMC), Sergei Bobrovsky. It is tough to see what Columbus will choose to do, but they will likely protect Seth Jones and Ryan Murray on the blueline and unless they trade or buyout Tyutin, David Savard, Dalton Prout and Jack Johnson could be exposed.

They also have lower tier prospects like John Ramage and Dean Kukan who could be made available in the draft. Columbus is not the most attractive trade partner but considering the position they are in with the players that have to be protected, the Leafs could try to take advantage of the situation.

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