3 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Can Realistically Trade For
By Jeff Borsuk
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Keith Yandle
Braun might not be a familiar name but that’s not the case for Keith Yandle. Just like Braun, Yandle is 35 and playing for the Flyers on an expiring contract.
The biggest challenge in acquiring the left shooting defenseman is that his contract has a no-trade stipulation to it. In order to be moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Yandle would need to waive that clause.
It’s not outrageous to think that that could happen. This is the American’s first season in Philadelphia so he doesn’t have a longstanding connection to the franchise. He may also look at the current Leafs team as his best chance at winning a Stanley Cup before retirement.
Yandle owns the NHL’s record for most consecutive games played, a mark he hit in January. It suggests that Toronto could count on Yandle being available for all their games in both the regular and post seasons.
In his 15th NHL season, Yandle has just a $900,000 cap hit. In 49 games, he has recorded a goal and 13 assists. At even strength, he has a Corsi Rating of 46.5, which is -1.8 relative to his team.
Though the stats don’t impress and the Leafs would certainly prefer a right defenseman, Yandle could be a fit in Toronto. He would play ahead of Travis Dermott, which still helps team’s blueline.