5 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Would Make Available in an NHL Expansion Draft

There has been discussion recently about possible NHL expansion, per the HockeyNews.com, which would mean there would be a draft where the Toronto Maple Leafs would need to make players available. 

The last NHL expansion occurred in 2000, and teams followed some basic parameters. They had the option of protecting one goalie, five defenders and nine forwards. Conversely they could protect two goalies, but that meant they could protect just three defenders and seven forwards.

Teams did not have to expose young players (first or second years), though. 

With the recent commitment to James Reimer, I believe the Leafs would protect both he and starter Jonathan Bernier. This would mean the team would have four defenders and six forwards exposed.

Based on the ability to protect just two goalies, three defenders, seven forwards, current contracts and value to the club, let's take a look at the five best Leafs who could be available in an NHL expansion draft.

5. Mike Santorelli, Centre

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Mike Santorelli would be an attractive player to an expansion team. He's got good versatility in that he could play on either the wing or at centre.

In his best NHL season with the Florida Panthers he posted 20 goals and 41 points. He's not overly physical, but he's the kind of forward that won't often hurt the club as a depth forward.

Santorelli would be a relatively inexpensive addition for an expansion team. He could play top-nine minutes if needed.

4. David Booth, Winger

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While David Booth would not be confused with a top-line winger, he would be an intriguing possibility for an expansion team. He's had injury issues in the past few seasons, but he did tally 60 points in 2008-09 with the Florida Panthers.

The former Michigan State Spartan is more of a shooter than a playmaker, which would be an asset on an expansion club that would be in need of offense.

Booth could be a top-six winger on an expansion club who would benefit from playing with a pass-happy pivot.

3. Roman Polak, Defenseman

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At 6'0" and nearly 240 pounds, former St. Louis Blues defender Roman Polak is a physical force on the point. Polak can make life nearly unbearable in the defensive zone.

He led the Blues with 151 hits in 2013-14, and he'd be a solid addition to an expansion team.

Polak would bring very little offense with just 79 points in more than 300 games.

However, he'd be selected to be a leader defensively, and in particular, for his ability to punish high-flying forwards.

2. Stephane Robidas, Defenseman

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Stephane Robidas would be valuable on an expansion team for both his leadership and his ability to play a low-event style of game.

Robidas made his NHL debut in 1999, so he'd bring a wealth of experience to a young franchise. He's always been a great skater who beats players with his smarts rather than his brawn.

While he was once an offensive threat from the point, he has changed his game to be more of a defensive stalwart than anything else. He's that unique player who has adapted over time in order to stay valuable to his club.

Robidas would be a very good short-term addition for an expansion team.

1. David Clarkson, Winger

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Winger David Clarkson has not delivered in Toronto what he did in New Jersey. Yet the rugged winger would be attractive for what he's done at the NHL level previously and for his current contract.

The expansion team would need to hit the salary cap minimum, and the Clarkson contract would help to do that at $5.25 million per season, per CapGeek.com. The Leafs would be pleased to rid themselves of the contract, so it would be a win-win scenario.

The expectations for the Kitchener Rangers star would be low, but at 30, Clarkson could still score 20 goals in a handful of seasons with second-line minutes. He'd also need some power-play time.

Although better suited to a third-line role, Clarkson could move up and down the lineup on a weaker NHL team, which would make him a useful utility player.

At his best, Clarkson brings tenacity, energy and decent hands on a nightly basis. All NHL clubs can use those qualities, especially when they appear in one player.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless otherwise noted.