Toronto Maple Leafs: Who's Going Where?

We're now less than two full days away from the NHL Trade Deadline, and most general managers have made it known whether they will be buying or selling. 

Expect teams like Detroit, Calgary, Montreal, Boston, New Jersey, San Jose, and Washington to beef up their rosters as they prepare for the playoffs next month. 

On the contrary, expect teams like the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, and St. Louis Blues to sell whatever they have that is of value.

One team that is almost caught in the middle here is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Last month, everyone was expecting GM Brian Burke to sell anyone and everyone, but things have changed since then.  The Leafs have completely turned the corner and are 4-0-2 in their last six games. 

Burke has made it publicly known now that there will be no major overhauling of the team.  However, there are still a few Leafs you should expect to move on Wednesday.

First, we have Nik Antropov.  He has picked up his game throughout the month of February, and has greatly increased his trade value. 

He is a 6'6'' winger who has soft hands and is not afraid to go to the net to score some goals.  Also, his contract is tame by NHL standards, which makes him the Leafs' most attractive asset. 

Expect a first-round pick and a decent prospect for Antropov.

Second, we have Alexei Ponikarovsky.  He has been okay throughout the season, chipping in 17 goals.  The problem is that he is inconsistent.  He will have stretches in which he'll score in bunches, but then he will go into a scoring drought. 

He plays the same type of game as Antropov though, and also does not come with a bulky contract.  He would be a much better fit on a team with a good centreman to help him out. 

Ponikarovsky would likely fetch a decent prospect and/or a second-round pick.

Third, there is Matt Stajan.  He has had a good season, with 14 goals and 29 assists. 

Stajan is not necessarily inconsistent, but he is just not a very gifted player.  However, he plays with a lot of heart and has the potential to develop into a more complete player in the future. 

With his age and his abilities right now though, Stajan can fetch a first-rounder or a prospect.

Fourth, there is Dominic Moore.  He has finally started playing in the NHL like he did in college. 

Pairing him up with Jason Blake was the best move Ron Wilson has made all year, and Moore's 41 points and Blake's 50 are a reflection of that. In addition to him rediscovering his game, Moore is also a solid penalty killer and can provide a physical presence when needed.

It would be very wise of the Leafs to lock Moore up to a long-term contract, but if Burke and Moore's agent are unable to agree to a new term by tonight, then Moore will go.  If Moore is moved, he will fetch a first-round pick and/or a good prospect.

Last, there is Jamal Mayers.  The Leafs parted with a third-rounder to acquire him last summer, and that's all they may receive in return. 

Mayers is a rough player who can spark his team with a fight, and will provide a strong physical presence to a team otherwise lacking one. He will fetch a third-round pick at the highest.

That's who you should expect to move on Wednesday from Toronto. 

Burke stated today that the price for Kaberle is a roster player, a first-rounder, and a prospect. (Boston offered a prospect, third-rounder, and first-rounder today for him.) 

Ian White was also pulled from the trading block today, unless Burke is completely blown away with an amazing offer. 

The other untouchables include Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, and John Mitchell.

This will certainly be an interesting deadline day, so expect to see some great moves.  And hopefully, Boston or San Jose don't pull "a Pittsburgh" this year.