NHL Trade Rumors: Top 6 trade candidates following NHL draft

5. Connor Brown

Age: 25
Position: RW
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are to seriously contend for Lord Stanley’s trophy, the organization must shore up its blue line during the weeks — or months — ahead. Little can be done until a degree of resolution is ushered forth regarding the future of right winger Mitch Marner, who is currently caught in the midst of highly public — and increasingly emotional — RFA negotiations. Until then, Leafs Nation can only wait.

Queue the speculation surrounding Connor Brown.

The 25-year-old is one of head coach Mike Babcock’s favorite pieces, serving as an offensively capable, defensively responsible presence on the ice. But given that his $2.1 million contract — a steep price to pay for a fourth-liner on this particular team — must be evaluated against the club’s lack of cap room, the prospect of trading the gritty winger becomes all the more fathomable. Add the fact that the forward has already been central to the Edmonton rumor mill, as a supposed botched deal at the trade deadline would have had Brown sent to the Oilers for defender Matt Benning, and you have yourself a case — Brown is likely the Maple Leafs’ most movable asset.

Indeed, Brown offers a wide range of services — strong penalty killing, a sense of agility and a defense-first mentality — to franchises looking to add depth to their lineups. Look for No. 28 to be at the helm of trade talks as July 1st nears.