Other Toronto Maple Leafs on the Move?

We are now at 12 days and counting to the March 4 trade deadline as speculation continues to build on the moves made this week by both the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators.

The market, arguably, is now set in terms of player values as Mathieu Schneider landed the Thrashers a second and third round pick while Mike Comrie and Chris Campoli brought back a late first round selection as well as a bottom six grinder for the Islanders.

With the market now set, arguably, many Leafs fans are left to ponder the possible value of remaining players on their roster. It has become abundantly clear that the best hope for the blue and white to stock pile prospects and first round picks lies within the trio of Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, and Nik Antropov.

Brian Burke, however, will surely be looking to make minor moves as he continues to re-shape the Maple Leafs roster in his own image. Here is a few scenarios which could likely play themselves out come March 4.

Jason Blake

Contrary to what many individuals believe, it is highly unlikely that Blake finds a new home by March 4. With the looming possibility of a decreasing salary cap by the 2010/11 season, teams will proceed with caution in obtaining long term, high paying contracts. Blake has had a great year, arguably the Leaf's best forward.

His contract, however, deems him not move able unless Burke can really work magic.

Dominic Moore

Many teams will be calling Burke inquiring on the services of Moore, who plays an excellent two way game and would be fine addition to any contending team. Depending on the contract demands by Moore, it is highly probable that he is dealt by March 4. if a contract extension is not reached with the Maple Leafs.

Lee Stempniak

A scoring winger which has not panned out the way former general manager Cliff Fletcher imagined. Since joining the Leafs, Stempniak has struggled immensely as he has failed to click on various opportunities provided by head coach Ron Wilson. Expect Stempniak to find a new home by March 4. if the right deal comes across Burke's table.

Alexi Ponikarovsky

Again, many teams will show interest, but I really do not see Burke dealing the big winger unless he is really blown away. Ponikarovsky is signed to a reasonable contract through the 09/10 season and is reliable at both ends of the rink. It is quite possible that a team could inquire upon availability of both Antropov and Ponikarovsky in the same deal.

Matt Stajan

Stajan name has recently surfaced through the FAN 590 radio in Toronto, linking him to a possible deal with Montreal involving Kyle Chipchura. It remains to be seen whether or not Stajan is deemed a "Burke" type player.

The fact remains, however, that Stajan has a had a career year in terms of offensive output while maintaining defensive reliability. Many would be surprised to see Stajan gone come March 4.

Jamal Mayers

A fourth line grinder with plenty of experience. Expect playoff teams or bubble teams in search of a veteran presence to inquire upon the availability of Mayers.

Mike Van Ryn

It is highly unlikely that Van Ryn is moved based on injuries. Many teams will shy away due to concussion problems alone, which have slowed down youngster Patrice Bergeron in Boston. It still remains to be seen whether or not Van Ryn can regain his early season form, which saw him as a dependable top six defenseman and second power-play unit quarterback.

Jeff Finger

A contract which Burke would likely love to move, but highly unlikely a team bites. Burke would likely be looking at taking a similar contract back in any deal involving Finger. A contract of a possible scoring forward could be reasonable as Finger's services will slowly become unnecessary with the surprising play of Luke Schenn.

Ian White

Signed cheap through the 09/10 season and has had a surprising year for the Maple Leafs. White has maintained decent offensive output while showing reliability on the back-end. He has also become versatile, showing that he can play both the forward and defense positions early in the season. Expect White to remain with the Leafs through March 4.

Vesa Toskala

Toskala's play this season, coupled with a $4 million guarantee next season makes him an unlikely candidate to be dealt come March 4. Recent reports have Toskala battling through hip/groin issues, something which many have reported to have been plaguing Toskala for most of the season.

Toskala's play has dropped drastically this season, possibly leaving Burke to search for other options between the pipes this off-season.

The possibilities are endless, but all of us will have to wait tell March 4. to see which of the possibilities due in fact become realities.