Which Maple Leafs Make Good Trade Bait?

With the trade deadline looming, and a nice break from the NHL with the upcoming All-Star weekend, it is time to take a look and see which players Toronto could trade that would get them nice returns.

Ideally, Burke is looking to move veterans for picks and prospects—but does he have the right tools for the job?

Tomas Kaberle:

He's a great offensive defender, with an affordable deal—making just over $4 million this season with three years left on his deal. It would be a great pickup for a team looking to add a great puck-handler.

He was supposed to be traded for Carter and a first rounder last year, could he still fetch a young NHLer and a first rounder this year too? Expect him to move regardless—he's the best selling point this team has.

Pavel Kubina:

He's a great offensive defender as well, who brings leadership and a cup ring with him. Has a good, hard shot and isn't afraid to mix it up. Kubina may be a player that could stick around, but teams may still find him to be a good pickup.

Look for him to remain with the team until the summer, when he may or may not be dealt.

Alexei Ponikarovsky:

He's a solid forward who may turn out to be a 20-goal scorer in his career. He uses his big body to find room and score goals. Another player Burke may potentially want to keep around, but a team looking to add a solid winger may take a look at him.

Has a good contract as well, making $2.1 million with another year left on his deal.

Nik Antropov:

He's another solid forward who has great scoring potential. Like Alexei, he uses his body to find room and score goals, and isn't afraid of playing under pressure. A potential UFA,  he could be traded to a team looking to make a Stanley Cup run.

Expect one of these two to be traded by the deadline. Ponikarovsky looks like the ideal choice, but teams may take Antropov over him.

Jason Blake:

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once a 40-goal scorer, with three other seasons of 20 or more, Blake stumbled last season and only managed 15 goals.

He is 35 years old with three years left on his deal, and is making $4 million and under after this season. Teams may not like the terms—but they may want him, as he has the potential to score 20 or more goals.

Expect him to stay put with the team this season, and depending on how things go, he could be bought out at season's end.

Vesa Toskala:

Another player who looks out of place this year is Vesa Toskala, who just isn't the same player he was last year. A bit of it may be not having Andrew Raycroft challenging him for the starting job.

He has looked good as of late, but generally he appears to have had enough in Toronto. Teams with goaltending woes may call Toronto at the deadline and they could fetch a nice return.

Expect something on the goaltending front to happen, as they plan to give Pogge more games time this season.

These are the key players who would fetch the most in return if they were traded and who seemingly don't quite fit into the youth approach of the Maple Leafs.