Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Players Who Could Be Dealt in the Near Future

The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun the 2011-12 season with a bang starting 4-0-1 in their first five games. Despite the great start, it helps that the Leafs have played some pretty poor competition in those five games. Only the Colorado Avalanche are a winning team, yet coming into the year, experts pegged them to be basement dwellers or trolls.

Possibly the great start is getting masked by the teams on the other end of the ice. Needless to say, we'll find out tonight what the Leafs have against the Bruins.

However, one thing being noticed throughout the league is the incredible depth the Leafs have right now in the organization, both at forward and on defence.

In this slideshow, I'll run through five players who could be trade fodder for Brian Burke and Company.

Mike Komisarek

Easily the most hated Leaf right now in their lineup. Currently taking ice time away from such youngsters as Keith Aulie and Cody Franson, Komisarek has really not provided much in the way of anything to the Leafs defense.

Originally drafted as a hard-hitting, defensive defenseman, Komisarek, possibly due to the new hitting rules, hasn't really been laying out players at his usual rate, so he has to now rely on his puck-moving skills to be an effective defenseman.

Along with Luke Schenn, they may be the two worst puck-moving defensemen in the NHL. A real lack of mobility and puck smarts limits Komisarek's effectiveness.

What the Leafs Could Be Asking For

Third-round pick in 2012 or defenseman prospect.

Colby Armstrong

Armstrong as a Leaf has shown some flashes of usefulness, but for the most part, he's been a waste of $3 million a season. More often than not, he's been injured with various ailments and really hasn't found his niche with the club.

With the emergence of Matt Frattin pushing Armstrong possibly out the door, along with guys like Nazem Kadri, Darryl Boyce, Joey Crabb, Mike Zigomanis and Jerry D'Amigo pushing it down with the Marlies, Armstrong's days could be numbered if he doesn't get healthy quickly.

What the Leafs Could Be Asking For

Penalty-killing bottom-six forward.

Tyler Bozak

Tyler Bozak right now could be lost in the shuffle. With Tim Connolly set to return, the emergence to full health of Matthew Lombardi, the recent acquisition of faceoff extraordinaire David Steckel and having Joe Colborne nearing a full year in the NHL, Bozak looks to be the odd man out.

Right now I say trade him while his value is higher than it ever has been. Bozak has been centering the best line in hockey right now, as both of his linemates are in the top 10 in scoring, with Phil Kessel leading the league with 12 points after five games.

What the Leafs Could Be Asking For

Second-round pick in 2012 or a forward prospect.

Clarke MacArthur

With a cap hit of $3.25 million a season, Clarke MacArthur has started off the 2011-12 season very slowly after a three-game suspension and an elbow infection that derailed his timing a little bit during this season.

However, the Leafs may have a decision to make as Matt Frattin, Nazem Kadri and even Matthew Lombardi could push Clarke off the second line if he doesn't get it soon.

MacArthur's big year last season hopefully wasn't a fluke, but the start so far by the MKG line really hasn't wowed anyone, as only Nikolai Kulemin has a goal this year.

What the Leafs Could Be Asking For

Second-line forward to help with the Leafs' secondary scoring.

Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri is back to full health and is ready to make his mark finally tonight against the Bruins. However, if not for an injury to Colby Armstrong, Kadri would be down with the Marlies in the American Hockey League.

Right now, I truly believe the Leafs could be ruining Nazem Kadri. He is likely their most talked-about draft pick since Wendel Clark, and he's rarely had a chance to really do anything in the NHL without being scrutinized for every move he makes that's wrong—whether its a bad pass, failed dump-in or missed scoring chance.

A change of scenery could do Kadri a world of good, and honestly, I wouldn't blame him if he demanded a trade if he didn't stick with the club this year.

Matt Frattin has been playing decently this year, but he's still not ready for prime time. However, instead of sending him down and calling on your 2009 first-round pick, they chose to send him down and stick with the fourth-round pick Frattin out of North Dakota.

What the Leafs Could Be Asking For

First-line center with faceoff ability.