NHL Trade Deadline Rumours: Do the Leafs want any of these guys?

As Saturday’s afternoon games approach, we are seeing reports that players are being held out of games pending potential trades. As well, other names are hitting the (legitimate) rumour mill.

Johnny Oduya

Ottawa is trading more than just Erik Karlsson, although that deal seems more real and less ephemeral all the time.

When asked if Oduya was injured, Boucher said "I have to keep him out".

— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) February 24, 2018

Do the Leafs want Oduya as depth help?

A few key points to remember in regards Johnny Oduya's contract:

- M-NTC (10 team No Trade list)
- $225,806 remaining on his $1M salary
- $250K bonus if he hits 65 games played
- $250k bonus if he finishes top 5 & top 3 in TOI
- $250k bonus if his club qualifies for the playoffs

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) February 24, 2018

Why, what a clever contract. He has not yet played 65 games, so the receiving team would be on the hook for $500,000 in bonuses for sure.

He’s also 36, misses a lot of time injured, and is not a Patrick Marleau old guy, more of a “he used to be good” old guy.

Ryan McDonagh

It’s not news that this Rangers defender is on the block, but this was a surprise:

Hearing that the Lightning aren't the only Florida-based team kicking tires on Ryan McDonagh...the Panthers appear to be interested too.

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) February 24, 2018

The Panthers seem to really think they’re in a playoff race. Or they are looking to build for the future with a defender that has one more year after this one. His contract status makes the price higher, but his cap hit at only  $4.7 million is very attractive for that extra year.

The equation for the Leafs on McDonagh is this:

McDonagh in the top four + Ron Hainsey on the third pair + Roman Polak not on the ice - Morgan Reilly on his offside = net gain.

It’s a very, very tempting picture. The downside is that McDonagh is a lefty and pushes Rielly over to his off side again. He is also one year older than Jake Gardiner, and their contracts run out at the same time, making for a fairly thorny decision. How good is Travis Dermott? Do you spend the considerable picks and other assets it would take to make this deal now or do you wait for future growth from within? Do you do that without trading away James van Riemsdyk to recoup some of that?

I don’t think the answer is easy, and I’m not convinced that the short term net gain listed above is worth what the cost likely will be.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

MacKenzie says there is a better than 50/50 chance Zack Smith will be moved. Oduya and Cole as good as gone. Pageau more likley to stay than go and Mike Hoffman is a 6 to 5 pick em to be moved.

— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) February 24, 2018

But I want J.G. Pageau! Stupid Sens. He’s a young, gifted PKer, two-way centre and all around good player on a low-cost deal.

Tomas Plekanec

Tomas Plekanec out vs #lightning #tvasports

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 24, 2018

What about an older, more expensive, short-term centre? I think he’ll cost more than a depth rental should, and the Leafs will say no.

Joel Ward

Joel Ward hits trade market. SJ has asked for his no trade list. Ward can block 6 teams. List will be submitted within 24 hrs. Good vet.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 24, 2018

I wasn’t expecting this one, and I assume some contending team will grab him up as an experienced playoff guy. Not sure those are really worth a lot.

So, what’s there in this crop of players that you like?

Pick a rumour, who do you want?