NHL Trade Rumors: 5 players Maple Leafs should target

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 04: Detroit Red Wings Defenceman Mike Green (25) waits for the faceoff during first period National Hockey League action between the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators on April 4, 2017, at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 19: Derick Brassard #19 of the Ottawa Senators shoots the puck in warmups against the Nashville Predators prior to his 700th career game on February 19, 2018 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2. Derick Brassard

Derick Brassard was initially regarded as a prime candidate for buyers at the trade deadline. The Senators’ steep asking price for him – reportedly a first-round pick, a top prospect and a third piece – may have gotten some teams to back off. But if the rumors are true and Erik Karlsson does get dealt by Ottawa, along with Bobby Ryan, Brassard might end up going with them in order to expedite a fire sale.

Brassard has not had a great season. His goal total may be up from last year, but he has steadily gone from a player that puts up 60 per season to 40. Of course, he still has value for contending teams that would like to shore up their depth. And if the Leafs are willing to part ways with Josh Leivo or pending free agents such as Tyler Bozak or James van Riemsdyk, then they might look into getting Brassard in a package deal.

In Brassard, but the Leafs would be getting an upgrade over Bozak. And whereas his future with the team beyond this season is uncertain, Brassard would be under contract for another year and is someone who could benefit from a change of scenery. As Ottawa’s second line center, it’s no wonder Brassard has under-performed, but you would take 17 goals and 35 points from a third-line center.

Even moving van Riemsdyk in this situation could be a good thing. With 25 goals this season, he’s an attractive selling candidate that could fetch a hefty return package, and his departure could see Andreas Johnsson come into the lineup, something that Leafs fans have been clamoring for.

For the Leafs’ front office, a move for Brassard must be handled delicately. However, a chance to exploit Pierre Dorion and Eugene Melnyk is ripe for the picking.

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