Toronto Maple Leafs: Latest Speculation Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have somehow retained the eighth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference, even though they have lost five out of their last six games. Pressure will now be on Brian Burke to improve his team as the current bunch of players has failed to respond.

If the Leafs want to make the playoffs, they need to start winning and without any improvement, winning will become that much harder.

This is a young team that still needs to grow and mature so acquiring a veteran with playoff experience isn't out of the question. The Leafs goaltending has been suspect as of late, so it might be prudent to acquire another goaltender, no matter what Burke says.

Now what am I forgetting? Oh yes, the need that never goes away. The need for a big top-six forward, preferably a center, but Burke won't be picky. With some players that fit that description available, will the Leafs finally make the move?

These are some of the big questions the Leafs are facing in the days heading up to the trade deadline. I will attempt to answer them and update information as it comes in in the coming days. Keep coming back to see what's going on with the Leafs.

Will the Leafs Acquire a Big Top-Six Forward?

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It is no secret that Maple Leaf fans would want Rick Nash to be wearing the Blue and White within the next week. While he doesn't fit in the Leafs need for a No. 1 center, he does fit the Leafs need for a big forward. That being said, the price may be too steep to acquire Nash.

Another player who the Leafs may be (and should be) interested in is Ryan Getzlaf. He might be a better fit with the Leafs, but with the Ducks back in the Western Conference playoff hunt, they might not be as willing to  deal him.

Then again, Burke is known to pull a rabbit out of a hat and surprise Leaf fans with his deals. So who might be on their way to Toronto?

Will the Leafs Trade Mikhail Grabovski?

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The Leafs are in a complicated situation when it comes to Mikhail Grabovski. Even though he's playing on their second line, he is the Leafs best center and he has compiled some pretty good offensive seasons for the Leafs.

However, Grabovski is an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and there is no guarantee the Leafs will sign him. There is a chance he will be dealt, but only if the Leafs can find a better center. Otherwise, he's staying in Toronto.

Updated February 21st:

Take this with a grain of salt as it is an Eklund rumor, but he says that the Leafs are in talks with Los Angeles about a trade that would send Grabovski along with a pick or prospect to LA in return for goaltender Jonathan Bernier and Dustin Penner.

If this trade happens, it definitely benefits both teams as they get a goaltender that is one of the NHL's top young goaltenders.

Also, Jeff Marek noted that the Red Wings might go after Grabovski as a contingency plan if they don't get Ales Hemsky with Pavel Datsyuk now out for two weeks.

Is Luke Schenn Available?

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In the past, Brian Burke has had many chances to trade Luke Schenn but he has always refused. He was viewed as a long-term solution for the Leafs problems on defense and he perhaps still might. However, times have changed and Schenn might very well be on the trading block.

Although, Schenn will only be dealt if a superstar is coming back.

Will the Leafs Acquire a Goaltender?

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Both James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson have played really well at times for the Leafs. Both of them have also struggled for stretches of games. Sometimes the Leafs offense has been able to hide the Leafs goaltending troubles, but as of late with 6-2 and 5-0 losses occurring the last two Saturdays, the Leafs are in trouble.

No matter what Burke says about acquiring a goaltender not being a priority, the Leafs need a third goaltender that has a little more experience. Not a superstar goaltender, but just one that can steal them a couple games.

Updated February 21st:

As noted in a previous slide, the Leafs might be in line to acquire Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles.

Also, I wonder if the Leafs even thought of picking up Ty Conklin on waivers.

Updated February 23rd:

Brian Burke now seems to have changed his mind about going after a goalie, after his comments to TSN 1050 in Toronto. He now says that the Leafs are going to kick the tires on acquiring a goaltender.