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Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Trade Options for the Trade Deadline

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

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)
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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TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 22: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 22, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 22: Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 22, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Rangers 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Chris Kreider

Finally, we have Chris Kreider. I was really holding out for the Leafs to trade for Blake Coleman, another New Jersey Devil, but unfortunately he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. He would have been a cheap defensive specialist who could have boosted Toronto’s penalty kill.

At a cap hit of $4.625 million, Kreider is a much more expensive option for a hard-hitting, gritty offensive forward who can boost a top six. Despite the price tag, the Rangers are keen on selling him at the deadline, since his contract expires at the end of this season.

I wasn’t originally high on Kreider and I wouldn’t have really wanted the Leafs to acquire him. Although his style of play is exactly what the Leafs need, his contract was just too expensive.

But given the injury to Johnsson and the LTIR relief the Leafs ultimately received, it’s looking like a more intriguing trade idea.

Next. Leafs Need to Go Big or Not Bother. dark

Those are five players who I think the Toronto Maple Leafs should take a look at in the next few days. Whether or not Toronto tries to acquire them is ultimately up to Kyle Dubas. But if one thing’s for sure, this trade deadline will be an interesting one.

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