5 Off-Season Trade Targets that Actually Make Sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Bonus Choices

Turns out I couldn't pick between my last three ideas to settle on the number 5.

The following three players are all number-one defensemen and would help the Leafs immensely, but they are also all under contract, signed long-term and have no-trade protection.

But, as we've seen, that doesn't mean you won't get moved. You have to figure most hockey players would be open to coming to Toronto, especially with Auston Matthews.

So, if the first four options don't work out, here are another three:

Jonas Brodin - Minnesota Wild.

Super underrated, and 30 years old. I doubt the Wild want to trade him, but you don't know unless you ask.

MacKenzie Weegar

Brad Treliving traded for him in the Tkachuk trade, and he's signed for almost a decade and is 30 years old. That is fine for the Leafs, but not so much for the rebuilding Flames.

The Flames won't be good again while Weegar is still in his prime.

His contract should make him cheaper to acquire than he he should be, and he obviously helps the Leafs were they need it most. Unlikely, but I think a good idea never the less.

Vince Dunn

Since most teams won't trade you cost-controlled stars in their early 20s, you've got to find players who play for bad teams that aren't likely to compete while that player is still in their prime.

Brodin, Weegar and Dunn all fit this idea. All three of them would be a good choice for the Leafs and likely wouldn't require trading one of their best players to make it happen.

Dunn is really underrated, and just 27 and signed for under $8 million. The Kraken probably think they are close enough to keep him, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.