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Toronto Maple Leafs: Who They Should Protect and Expose in the Expansion Draft

By James Reeve

Jan 26, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock (R) looks on from behind the bench against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock (R) looks on from behind the bench against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Expansion
Jan 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game in the third period against the Calgary Flames at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Flames 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

WHO TO PROTECT

The Leafs are well-placed to protect their most valuable veterans in the upcoming expansion draft, thanks largely to their young rookies featuring on the Exempt List.

The likes of Nazem Kadri, James van Riemsdyk, Connor Brown, Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner and Tyler Bozak are surely guaranteed to be protected by the club.

But then things become a bit of a guess.

Connor Carrick is the most likely defenceman to be protected outside of Rielly and Gardiner, being a young player that has played regularly this season and has a lot of potential.

For the team’s forwards, there are many ways they could go.

Brian Boyle is a UFA this season, but could conceivably sign a short one, or two, year deal with the club that would keep him around beyond this season.

Josh Leivo has performed well in recent weeks and could also be one of the players the club decides to keep around, though he will have plenty of competition from players currently with the Marlies.

Leo Komarov is likely to be kept around as he continues to feature week in, week out for the Leafs and is a hard worker out on the ice.

In goal, it’s a no-brainer. It’s Frederik Andersen.

FORWARDS

  • Nazem Kadri
  • James van Riemsdyk
  • Tyler Bozak
  • Brian Boyle
  • Leo Komarov
  • Connor Brown
  • Josh Leivo

DEFENCEMEN

  • Morgan Rielly
  • Jake Gardiner
  • Connor Carrick

GOALIE

  • Frederik Andersen
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