NHL Trade Rumors: 5 teams that must make a move before trade deadline

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

The old Toronto Maple Leafs wouldn’t be in a position to sell like the current Maple Leafs are. Yes, they’d have around the same record (give or take a few points), but the Leafs have done a remarkable job of assembling a crew of trade assets that will help expedite their long overdue rebuild.

Forward Brad Boyes is an upcoming unrestricted free agent. He has 12 points in 33 games. He can provide any contender with third or fourth line option who has the potential to score some goals. His past work on the power play will likely drive up his price as well. Forward P.A. Parenteau has proven this season that he can be a capable second line forward. He’d provide any contender with some scoring depth. That’s something that NHL teams are constantly looking for this time of year. Shawn Matthias doesn’t look good on paper with just 12 points in 39 games. However, they’re an injury away from a contender needing some center depth and Matthias is a fine third or fourth line center.

They should make a trade before the NHL trade deadline because with some of their assets, they might not have a higher value than they do right now. Leo Komarov could easily command a first round pick and a prospect should the Leafs sell him properly. Goalie James Reimer is a pending unrestricted free agent and the Leafs would likely want an extended look at him. They could sell him for quite a price if a contender needs to add a goalie because their goalie got injured.

The Leafs are in an excellent position in a buyer’s market. They need to exploit that.

Next: 4. Boston Bruins