Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Trade Options for the Trade Deadline

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 08: Assistant coach Paul McFarland (L) and head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs Sheldon Keefe (R) look on from behind the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre on February 8, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 10: Sami Vatanen #45 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on January 10, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Maple Leafs defeated the Devils 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Sami Vatanen

The Toronto Maple Leafs second best choice for a defenceman is New Jersey Devils defenceman Sami Vatanen.

It seems that the Devils are embracing an entire rebuild and selling off their team. With the recent trades of Blake Coleman, Andy Greene and presumably a future trade of Kyle Palmieri, the Toronto Maple Leafs can possibly strike up a reasonably priced deal with the Devils, who are likely eager to get rid of expiring contracts.

Vatanen’s another player the Leafs have been linked to since his days in Anaheim. He’s 28 and can hold down a blue line effectively on the defensive end, which would help out the Leafs a great deal considering the current state of the blue line.

He’s a strong passer, can play big minutes and can generate shots on net.

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