A quiet deadline day, or …
These players would look good in blue and white, only for the right price
Chris Kreider. Luke Glendening. Adam McQuaid. All have been linked to the Maple Leafs, by speculation only, in the leadup to this afternoon’s NHL trade deadline. And while any could undoubtedly be plugged into the Leafs’ roster and help, Toronto is confident with what it has — a young team deep in talent — and is prepared to take the current lineup into the stretch run and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
There are reasons to stand pat, mainly the cost of acquiring someone new. The Leafs would prefer not to deal from their roster, and they might hesitate to touch an impressive list of assets (prospects and draft picks), particularly for secondtier players who might bring minor upgrades. They did add minor-league forward Nick Baptiste from Nashville late Sunday, for future considerations.
But if the right deal comes along, if a little extra muscle is available for the right price — or help on the blue line — well, general manager Kyle Dubas has shown a willingness to deal.
So, here is a look at a few of the possible trade targets:
Kreider: One of the more expensive options, the Rangers forward is swift, experienced and physical. He has one year left on his contract that will pay him $4.625 million. Dubas has said his preference at the deadline is a player with term rather than a rental.
Glendening: A solid performer who could be a bottom-line winger and penalty killer. Glendening, 29, is familiar to Leafs coach Mike Babcock from their days together in Detroit.
McQuaid: The elusive righthanded shot on the blue line. McQuaid has size, strength and experience, and he can stand up for his teammates when necessary. That’s something the Leafs lack, outside of some game attempts by Nazem Kadri.
Kyle Clifford: The Leafs are said to have spoken to the Kings about the physical veteran winger. Wayne Simmonds: A Toronto native and veteran Flyer, many believe he would fit in nicely in Toronto, bringing some physical play to the forward ranks.
Micheal Ferland: A veteran winger on a young Hurricanes club, he has 16 goals and is on pace to reach his career high of 21, set last year in Calgary.
The Leafs, like anyone else, would have use for both a power forward and a hard-nosed defenceman. But what happens if, say, McQuaid is acquired. Who moves to the press box to make room? Toronto has Igor Ozhiganov in a seventh-defenceman role, and Justin Holl, who is big and can play with a mean streak, has played in just two games this season.
The Leafs instead might find solutions within the organization. Head coach Mike Babcock mentioned “a couple of players,” presumably the likes of defenceman Calle Rosen and forwards Trevor Moore and Jeremy Bracco. Goalies Michael Hutchinson and Kasimir Kaskisuo could also add depth if needed.
But management is also asking itself this: How far can the Leafs advance with this current roster, and is it ready to change the narrative with Boston, a likely first-round opponent again?
The Leafs are deeper and seemingly better prepared under Babcock to take another step. And if there’s a move that will help, management seems all in on giving this roster that chance.