John Tavares
The hometown boy, John Tavares, is in a similar position as Auston Matthews. His decision to play for the Maple Leafs shook the hockey world and in return, Toronto has helped make him one of the faces of the franchise. The best example of this came when he was named the team’s 25th captain in their history. He will continue to dress in blue and white on Feb. 25.
Chances of being dealt prior to the trade deadline: 0%
Justin Holl
Justin Holl has been a player that has been on the rise this season. His budding star was enough to earn him a three-year contract extension. The Leafs clearly like what Holl brings to the rink and rewarded him with a deal that gives him a $2 million AAV. It is precisely the sort of defenseman- contract combination they would be searching for in the offseason. As such, it would be illogical at this time to move Holl.
Chances of being dealt prior to the trade deadline: 5%
Kasperi Kapanen
Kapseperi Kapanen and the Maple Leafs are very fortunate that the winger recently avoided injury. If he was hurt, getting a fair value trade would have been difficult. With him remaining in the lineup, he is a hot commodity.
Hockey Twitter was abuzz on Saturday night when he was a healthy scratch. It was speculated that he was held out with a trade incoming. It turned out that he was sticking around . . . for now.
Kapanen's scratch tonight is not injury-related. Sheldon Keefe expected to update press post-game.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) February 2, 2020
Kapanen is recognized league-wide as someone who can play as a top-six forward. After signing his three-year $3.2 million AAV extension prior to the start of the season, he is also affordable. This helps make Kapanen one of the Leafs largest trade chips. Whether Toronto pulls the trigger depends mostly on what they can bring back for him.
Chances of being dealt prior to the trade deadline: 45%