5 LEAFS WHO COULD MOVE
From Reimer to Lupul, veteran talent could attract interest around league before trade deadline
With the Maple Leafs looking like sellers at the Feb. 29 trade deadline, here’s a look at five Toronto players who could draw interest:
JAMES REIMER
Potential trade partners: Montreal, St. Louis.
The possible return: A first-round draft pick, no worse than a second.
Why the interest? A veteran goalie and one of only a handful of netminders to have lasted seven years in the Leafs organization. With adjustments to his game in the off-season, Reimer is second in the NHL in save percentage (among goaltenders with at least 12 appearances). An unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, he could help a playoffbound club needing depth or a bona fide No. 1 option. Montreal may have interest, depending on Carey Price’s status. The Blues could also be interested, with Jake Allen sideline by a knee injury.
ROMAN POLAK
Potential trade partners: Chicago, N.Y. Islanders, N.Y. Rangers, L.A. Kings, among others.
The possible return: A second-round pick.
Why the interest? Polak is in the last year of his contract and is a classic, hard-nosed, protect-the-front-ofthe-net defender that any playoff team could use. He would make any team better.
LEO KOMAROV
Potential trade partners: Washington, Dallas, San Jose.
The possible return: A second-round pick.
Why the interest? Komarov is having a career year, with 16 goals and 30 points in 44 games, and is multifaceted. He can play on a team’s top three lines, and serve as a prime penalty killer; he’s a perfect depth player for a playoff run. The Capitals have given up more power-play goals (38) than any other team rated in the top 10 in penalty killing.
MICHAEL GRABNER
Potential trade partners: St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Minnesota.
The possible return: Anywhere from a third- to fifth-round pick.
Why the interest? One of the best skaters in the game, and he can score in spurts (six goals from Dec. 2-Jan. 2). He could help the Blues, who are having trouble putting the puck in the net.
JOFFREY LUPUL
Potential trade partners: L.A. Kings, San Jose, St. Louis Blues.
The possible return: Anywhere from a third- to fifth-round pick.
Why the interest? Lupul’s name pops up annually, primarily because of injuries and inconsistent results. The 32-year-old still has offensive potential — five 20-goal seasons, including 22 two years ago — which is always in demand.