4 Big-Name Players Toronto Maple Leafs Could Trade For Now

With Jake Muzzin on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), the Toronto Maple Leafs now have some cap-flexibility to make a big trade at the deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need Jake Muzzin back in the line-up for the playoffs, so let’s hope he can rehab and be fully healthy for that run, but his salary off the books could really benefit this team moving forward.

With Muzzin on LTIR, it frees up $5.625M of cap-space for Toronto to replace him.

As previously mentioned, that cap-space is fantastic, but having Muzzin back in the line-up for the playoffs 100 percent healthy is the most important thing. If Muzzin isn’t back for the playoffs, this team is going to have a hard time to compete because when he’s at his best, he’s a legitimate top-four defenseman and someone who’s very hard to play against.

By having $5.625M of cap-space, the Leafs can do a few things.

They could bolster their defensive-core with two depth players making roughly $2M each, then find a depth winger making $1M, or they could use it all on one player and make a huge trade.

Or, maybe they use that money to acquire a goaltender who’s been to five Stanley Cup’s?…..

Whatever the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to do, the number-one priority is that Muzzin gets back as quick as possible and is healthy for the playoffs. But, in the meantime, the team can use that cap-space to their advantage and boost their roster for the stretch run.

Here are four big-name players they may trade for now that they have cap-space.