There are two times of the year that are the most exciting for any rebuilding NHL team: the draft, and the trade deadline. And now that we're just a couple of days away from the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the busy, most interesting teams in the NHL.
Every free agent - and then some - must go! Or at least P.A. Parenteau, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, is definitely going to go.
Report: Parenteau has been told he will be traded by #Leafs. https://t.co/3N0FTZqqeA
— L.A. Lariviere (@L_A_theRiver) February 24, 2016
Now it's not a question of if, but when for the 32-year-old. Parenteau has had a great year, currently sitting at 15 goals and 30 points over 58 games this season. It's hard to believe the Montreal Canadiens even saw it fit to buy him out the season before - but then again, look at how well they're doing this season and, ehhh, that's their problem. One of many.
This is good news on two fronts: first, it shows how well the Leafs have done rebuilding, turning a previously discarded player and flipping him for assets; second, as described above, it helps put Parenteau at ease: he knows he'll be moving on, so there's no need to make things any more stressful for him and his family.
Of course, just because Parenteau's final days as a Leaf this season are among us doesn't mean he can't be back next season.
What are your expectations for a return for Parenteau? More picks, or a little more for one of the Leafs' top players this season?