Leafs update

The Toronto Maple Leafs will likely be one of the more busier teams this deadline, with a few names that will likely be moved, and some others we may not expect.

Alexei Ponikarovsky

"Poni" is expected to be traded by the March 3rd trade deadline. There have been many teams thrown around; Rangers, Thrashers, Predators and then the Penguins and Sabres on a more consistent basis. Over the Olympic break Assistant GM Dave Nonis reportedly got an offer from a team that had a 2nd round pick and a prospect coming to the Leafs in return, that offer will likely rise if Ray Whitney is moved early.

Tomas Kaberle

Tomas Kaberle has said he will not waive his no trade clause, and Brian Burke has said he will not ask Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade clause, so it's likely Tomas Kaberle will not be waiving his no trade clause to move to another team. That can't stop the rumors though. Tomas Kaberle was rumored to have waived his "NTC" for two teams, the Vancouver Canucks and another eastern conference team, which Tomas Kaberle seemed to have laid to rest in the past few days, but despite what may be said, the 48 hours until the deadline that are remaining, may change Kaberle's mind, or if he gets and offer significant enough, force Brian Burke to approach Kaberle. Teams that have been rumored in the D-man have been; Canucks, Rangers, Flyers and even some whispers of the Penguins.

Garnet Exelby

Garnet Exelby is a solid 5th or 6th defenceman for a contending team. He does have some consistency problems but can still be effective. He will likely be traded if a team offers Burke a 4th rounder or a low level prospect. As we've seen in the past (ala Hal Gill) a team may step up and over pay for this defenceman but at this point that may be a Leafs fan's pipe dream.

Wayne Primeau

Wayne Primeau has likely shown most of the league that he can be a solid third line center, when healthy. Likely will only get a 4th or 3rd round pick from a team either contending for the cup, or challenging for a playoff spot. He's a UFA at seasons end and if not traded may be re-signed to play 4th line center next season.

All in all it should be a good deadline for the Maple Leafs, who are hoping to add to a fairly empty basket of picks, but will also be hoping to add roster players to try and climb the standings to take away the chance of the Leafs first rounder (in possession by the Boston Bruins) from becoming the 1st overall pick. Brian Burke's strategy has worked so far, snagging Dion Phaneuf, Keith Aulie and JS Giguere along with Fredrik Sjostrom for nothing more than role players and decent 2nd liners that can be replaced by FA signings, prospects or by other trades.


OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD BE MOVED:


Lee Stempniak: Sabres and Philly have been mentioned

Jeff Finger: The Blues have been really the only team mentioned, very unlikely Jeff is moved

Mikhail Grabovski: Once again unlikely but the Oilers and Coyotes have been mentioned. Possibly in deals for Mueller and Cogliano


Corey,

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