Who are the Leafs most likely to move at the trade deadline?

With the Olympic break coming up after their next game in St. Louis on Friday night, the Maple Leafs’ management will shift their collective attention on the upcoming trade deadline.

They have a few marketable players who are going to attract some interest but what can the club realistically get for those players?

Topping the list, in terms of interest from rival clubs, is big left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky. He is currently on pace for a career-best 25 goals and should come close to his 61 point effort in 2008-09. He has proven to be a responsible two-way forward, with a rare (+5) rating on the league’s worst defensive club. He also projects as a useful player on the power play, due to his willingness to play in from of the opposition’s crease area. Brian Burke is on record with his price of at least a second round draft pick plus a prospect or a controllable salary, roster player in return for “Pony.”

Lee Stempniak is the next realistic trade bait and has equally his goal total from last season with 14 tallies. Much more offense was expected of the speedy right winger, given that the Leafs traded two roster players (Carlo Colaicovo and Alex Steen) to acquire him two years ago from the St Louis Blues. He is a shifty skater who gives a lot of effort most nights but he has a pretty ordinary shooting percentage (8.8%) to show for those efforts. If the Leafs get an offer that nets them anything more than a third or fourth round pick they may jump at that offer.

Jeff Finger has been a healthy scratch for a number of games now, as the Leafs look at developing youngsters Carl Gunnarsson and Luke Schenn, both of whom are expected to be blueline fixtures with the Leafs for the next several years. With veterans like Dion Phaneuf, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek and possibly Tomas Kaberle guaranteed spots next year, there simply isn’t any room for Finger and the two years remaining on a contract with a $3.5 Million Salary Cap hit. If any time even mentions him in a deal, Burke should just donate him for free. Even that scenario is very unlikely. Finger may be the guy whom Burke sends down to the Marlies next year in his oft-stated plan to bury a bad contract, when necessary. This case fits that bill.

Beyond these players any other move by the Leafs on March 3 would be a surprise. What about Tomas Kaberle, you ask? He has not given any indication that he will waive his no-trade clause and is headed to the Olympics. That’s his current focus. The games end only three days prior to the trade deadline and even if he changes his mind, that won’t leave to much time for a deadline deal involving him.

Any other trades would have to involve taking on bad contracts from other teams, in exchange for a draft pick or two. Other than that, the Leafs may be quiet on March 3.

Time will tell.

Tags: Alexei Ponikarovsky, brian burke, Jeff Finger, Lee Stempniak, tomas kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs