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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 02: Mike Green #25 of the Detroit Red Wings looks to make a pass while Matt Read #24 of the Philadelphia Flyers pursues him on November 2, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

1. Mike Green

Mike Green has been a popular trade target among Leafs fans all season long due to their lack of right-handed defensemen. Zaitsev and Polak are the only righties that draw into the lineup with regularity. Connor Carrick has often found himself in a rotation with Polak, and while he deserves to play full-time, he has his fair share of drawbacks too.

There have been a lot of comparisons between Green and Kevin Shattenkirk last season, and rightfully so. Like Shattenkirk, Green is an offensive defenseman on an expiring deal who would serve as the focal point of a powerplay. He’s not the offensive juggernaut that he used to be – remember when he scored 30 goals in a season? – but he can help out a contending team. Even on the offensively-starved Red Wings, he has still managed to drive their offense by putting up 29 points in 57 games.

More importantly for the Leafs, Green might be the player that finally pushes Babcock to take Polak out of the lineup. He can be downright stubborn with these moves at times – he didn’t take Martin out until the All-Star break – and even if he remains in the lineup, Green’s presence should at least scale back his even-strength minutes. Same goes for Hainsey who already exerts so much energy on the penalty kill.

There is a drawback when it comes to Green and that is what his arrival would mean for Gardiner. He currently occupies a spot on the Leafs’ powerplay, and while he’s been roundly criticized for his play in his own end, he’s been good on the offensive side. Some have suggested including Gardiner in a package for Green, but that’s a risky proposition even if they intend to re-sign him.

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It’s far more likely that the Red Wings will force the Leafs to dip into their prospect pool for Green, but he might push them over the top. Not only would he shore up their top four, he would add another dynamic element to an already potent offense.

Whether or not the Leafs pull the trigger on this deal should make their intentions clear. If they believe they can win the Cup this year, they’ll make this win-now move. If they believe they’re still a year or two away, they’ll rest on their laurels, knowing that Green could still be in play in the offseason.

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