What could the Toronto Maple Leafs do at the NHL trade deadline?
Sportsnet: In the longer term, the Toronto Maple Leafs would like to acquire an impact defenceman but that doesn’t have to be accomplished via trade at this NHL trade deadline. If the Leafs want an ideal shorter-term addition, a depth forward would be nice. Preferably an experienced centre with the ability to kill penalties.
Potential Targets:
Forwards: Brian Boyle, Martin Hanzal, Patrick Sharp
Defence: Kevin Shattenkirk, Erik Gudbranson, Cody Franson, whichever young ‘D’ the Anaheim Ducks are willing to move
Pierre LeBrun recommends the Carolina Hurricanes try to pry promising young center William Nylander away from the Toronto Maple Leafs, though he doesn’t expect they’re keen to move Nylander. “Then again, how does Toronto find that young, high-end defenseman over the next 5-6 months? The leafs could as for either Noah Hanifin, Ryan Murphy or Haydn Fleury in return for Nylander.
Calgary Flames interested in Marc-Andre Fleury
Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos reports he’s hearing the Calgary Flames still have interest in Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. The Flames were linked to Fleury leading up to last year’s NHL draft but their interest ended after the Pens sought the Flames first-round pick (sixth overall) in return. Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said he’s open to moving Fleury
