NHL Trade Deadline Preview

With the NHL trade deadline a little over 43 hours left as of this writing, there are many rumors circulating around the league and within the media of who could be staying or going from their respective teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs currently hold only five draft picks for the upcoming 2009 NHL entry draft. For a rebuilding team with a low prospect pool, the need to acquire draft picks and prospects will be high on President/General Manager Brian Burke’s to do list.

With this in mind, let’s look at the potential Maple Leafs players that will be packing their luggage on Wednesday.

1) Nik Antropov: With contract negotiations at a stalemate, look for Nik Antropov to be moved out of Toronto. General Managers Scott Howson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dale Tallon from the Chicago Blackhawks seem to be interested in the big forward. Brian Burke’s asking price is a first round draft pick.

2) Dominic Moore: After years of futility, Dominic Moore has his break out season at a time when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next year. Moore is looking at top six forward contract extension under $3 million per season. If Dominic Moore does not accept an offer in the $1.5-$1.8 million range, expect Burke to trade Moore by the trade deadline.

The Chicago Blackhawks are once again rumored to be interested in Moore, and the asking price would be a second round draft pick. Other playoff teams could use a third line center that is top 20 in the NHL for face off win percentages. Expect Moore to be a slightly hot commodity for Brian Burke at the trade deadline.

The above players will most likely be moved because of their unrestricted free agent status for next year. There is some interest in Jamal Mayers from playoff teams like Detroit, who would like to add some veteran presence to their line up. Apparently, it is rumored Mayers is not happy in Toronto and would welcome a change of scenery. Matt Stajan is garnering some interest around the league, as his young age and contract is attractive to teams wanting to add a solid third line player to their team.

As for the defenseman, don’t expect Pavel Kubina to be moved at the trade deadline because he has requested not to be traded. Tomas Kaberle will be the best commodity for Brian Burke, but with offers only coming from ten Eastern Conference teams, the offers would have to blow Burke away to pull the trigger for Kaberle. The chances of Kaberle being traded is 50/50 depending on what offers are presented. Look for Eastern Conference playoff teams to put in their best offers for Kaberle depending on what happens with Jay Bouwmeester and Chris Pronger in the next 43 hours.

Every Maple Leafs and Marlies player is available with the exception of Luke Schenn. This will be one of the wildest trade deadlines ever for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as literally the entire roster is for sale with many buyers waiting. Tomorrows game against the New Jersey Devils could be an excellent indicator of who could be moved shortly, as a scenario like Bill Guerin can occur where the Leafs decide to sit out some players in case of injury. However, do not expect any major movement of players and look to see at most anywhere from three to four players to be moved from the Maple Leafs roster from now and till Wednesday.