A look at some of the more realistic trade deadline targets for the Leafs at center
This is the first in a series of 5 articles I will complete as we continue the march towards the NHL's trade deadline. The deadline this season is not until March 21st, and the COVID-19 postponements have resulted in many teams not yet reaching the half way points of their respective seasons, so many clubs may still feel like they have a chance.
As a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, I've heard the disgruntled moans, and jokes about 'every player wanting to come to Toronto'. Pending UFA? See you in the Big Smoke on July 1st! Player that wants out? He must want to come to Toronto! Up and coming prospect? If there's a picture of him in Leafs gear from 2006, we will locate it! I've heard it all, and no, this is NOT one of those articles.
We've heard about the big names out there, but I wanted to take a look at the 'under the radar' players that could make a difference during the stretch run for the Leafs (and hopefully a deep playoff run). I did a dive into teams that are out of the playoff picture, players that are pending UFAs, or players that have stated that they want out. I find trades for players with term are difficult to predict, and more often than not, tend to happen in the off-season due to the cap implications. Speaking of that, the COVID flat cap situation is wreaking havoc on many teams ability to make a splash at this years trade deadline, and without some wizardry by Brandon Pridham and company, the Leafs are no exception to this reality.
Centre - The Leafs are quite set down the middle with the likes of Matthews, Tavares, Kampf and Spezza, however you never know if they covet a depth player, or a guy that can man a wing, but then slot in at centre should there be an injury.
Paul Stastny:
Winnipeg has three teams to leapfrog in order to get back into the wild card race, so if they decide they won't be in the playoff picture, they could look to move him. A $3.75 million cap hit could be fit into the lineup with some salary cap gymnastics, retention by the Jets, or the involvement of a third team to serve that purpose.
See above regarding the Jets' current position. Copp is another big bodied pivot that could prove beneficial in the playoffs when whistles get put away. I'm not sure the Jets would even consider moving him and this also relies on the Jets figuring that they are out of this year's run to the playoffs. Again, at $3.64 million, some salary cap flex would have to occur to make him fit.
The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in the playoff hunt, however I don't see them catching Boston or Pittsburgh for a wild card spot, and I doubt Yzerman abandons his longer-term plans. Vlad presents a more affordable option, coming with a $2 million cap hit. He currently has 18 points in 36 games on a rebuilding team.
Nicholas Paul:
A Leaf killer for brief stints when they play head to head, he comes in at an affordable $1.35 million cap hit, is a big body (6'3", 224lbs) and could make an impact down the stretch. The Ottawa Senators' rebuild isn't quite finished, so they should still look to acquire assets where they can and Paul could head back there in the off-season, if he so chooses.
Cedric Paquette:
It's not likely that the Habs will want to help out their rivals with a deadline deal, but they are clearly in a position where acquiring assets is key if they hope to remain competitive and avoid a total teardown and rebuild. He comes with Cup experience from his time in Tampa, an affordable $950K cap hit and could be a great 'buy low' candidate as he has a paltry 1 assist in 19 games played this season. A veritable example of a 'depth' player if there ever was one.
This is a fairly underwhelming list, and as I said, the Leafs appear to be set down the middle. For that, I'm thankful. I hope the potential trade targets improve as I take a look at the rest of the forward groups as well as the D corps and the goalie markets. Stay tuned for the next article, which will examine the left wingers that could be on the move.
