The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching. And Beaverton sports has got you covered with the top available players, broken down by what they will cost 31 of the league’s teams, and then how much more the Leafs would have to pay for some reason.
1. Noah Hanifin, D, 4.95 million, UFA at end of the season
Rest of the league: Despite being arguably the most talented player available, Hanifin has damaged Calgary’s potential return by making clear he will sign with Tampa Bay in the offseason. Also he is a left D, which is much less in demand than right D-men. A second rounder and B level prospect should do it.
Toronto Maple Leafs: If the Leafs want this once in a lifetime, generational superstar defenseman to anchor their blueline, they better be prepared to break the bank. Minten, Cowan and a first should be the starting point.
2. Jake Guentzel, LW, 6 million, UFA at end of the season
Rest of the league: Guentzel’s numbers are probably inflated from years of playing with Crosby. And he wants a huge payday this offseason that few teams can swing. Pittsburgh will be thrilled to get a low first round pick back for him.
Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs MIGHT be able to get him for a package of William Nylander and Matthew Knies (plus picks) but we doubt it.
3. Colton Parayko, D, 6.5 million, 6 years left on deal
Rest of league: Parayko is past his prime, and already his numbers are dropping. He has 6 years left at a massive cap hit, which he has almost no chance of living up to. St. Louis will need to include significant draft assets to get anyone to take on this albatross of a contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A right shot D who is big and can slide right alongside Morgan Reilly in the top pair? Who cares about the contract – the cap is going up and money isn’t real anyway. 3 firsts and Nick Robertson.
4. Adam Henrique, C, 5.825 million, UFA at end of season
Rest of league: Henrique has had a great career but he’s 34 and mostly washed. A second should be enough, with maybe a third thrown in if you want Anaheim to retain part of the contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Unlike the ancient, totally useless PPG player John Tavares, the young, hungry, 42 points in 60 games Henrique would fit beautifully as the Leafs second line centre. The Leafs would have to offer their entire Marlies roster and pay for all the Ducks team to go on a 3 month sightseeing trip through Europe to get him though.
5. Jason Zucker, LW, 5.1 million, UFA at end of the season
Rest of league: Zucker is fine but nothing to get excited about. The kind of player that gets thrown into a larger deal to make the cap situation work. Maybe worth a late draft pick or a player in the KHL who you aren’t sure will ever leave Russia.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews, straight up.
