Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Players Leafs Should Target at Trade Deadline

Many phones around the NHL will be ringing over the next month and a half as the NHL trade deadline is right around the corner.

Trade talks and rumors have already started, with names like Bobby Ryan, Alex Semin and Luke Schenn being thrown around through the media.  

In years past. the Toronto Maple Leafs have fallen under the “sellers” category, but with the playoffs in sight, the Leafs will be looking to add a player or two that will give them a chance to compete playoff time.

February 27th is rapidly approaching, and with GM Brian Burke looking to make a move, the next six weeks will certainly be exciting if you're a Leafs fan

The next few slides show five players that Toronto should pursue before the deadline.

Paul Stastny

Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny is having arguably his worst year as a pro with 23 points and a -6 rating in 42 games.

In past seasons, the 26 year old has put up around a point per game and has shown some star player capabilities.

With all-star wingers Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel up front, Stastny would be a great addition to the team and give the size (6’0 200lbs) and playmaking ability (216 assists in 348 career games) the Leafs need up front.

James Van Riemsdyk

The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed winger James Van Riemsdyk to a six year deal this past offseason after he finished the 2010-2011 campaign with 40 points and a +/- of 15 in 75 games.

The 22 year old has had a rough year with the Flyers as he sits eighth on the team in scoring, with 22 points in 37 games. He is also a -1.

There have been reports that Leafs GM Brian Burke has talked to Philadelphia about acquiring Van Riemsdyk in a deal that would unite defenseman Luke Schenn with his brother Brayden in Philly.

Not too surprising, as Burke mentioned on the fan 590 radio show on Wednesday that he believes the team is “a little small up front”.

At 6’3" and 200lbs, Van Riemsdyk is exactly the type of player that Burke is looking for.

Tuomo Ruutu

The 28 year old winger has played for both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Carolina Hurricanes so far in his nine year NHL career and could be looking at a third team by the time the deadline is over.

Carolina has definitely had a disappointing season thus far, as they sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. This is a team that will most likely be selling; perhaps selling Ruutu.

Over the years, the Finish forward has shown that he can score, while also playing somewhat of a power forward role.

Ruutu has just shy of 300 points in 505 career games, with 494 penalty minutes.

His services would be greatly appreciated in Toronto. Look for his name to start coming up within the next few weeks.

Derek Roy

Currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres could be shopping a few players as they try to figure out what is going on.

Center Derek Roy is another guy who would fit right in between Lupul in Kessel on the Leafs first line.

The 28 year old has spent his entire career with the Buffalo Sabres, compiling 407 points (152 goals, 255 assists) in 507 career games.

Despite a smaller frame (5’9" 184lbs), Roy can still be physical if needed, and will be one of Toronto’s targets over the next month or so.  

Ryan Getzlaf

Burke has been in contact with his former team on and off for a while now. Earlier in the year the Leafs traded Luca Caputi to the Ducks for Nicolas Deschamps and if we go back to around this time last year, Toronto acquired Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner and a draft pick from Anaheim for Francois Beauchemin.

It has also been reported that the deal earlier in the year was only part one of the deal between Toronto and Anaheim, leading people to think that a blockbuster deal may be made.

If that is the case, the Leafs will most likely be targeting their first line center Ryan Getzlaf.

Getzlaf has totaled 442 points in 472 career games and also has a 61 rating.

At 6’4" 221lbs and only 26 years old, Getzlaf is a perfect fit for the Maple Leafs and would give them the best forward line in the NHL.