NHL Rumors: 2 Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Candidates

The Toronto Maple Leafs were busy on Sunday as general manager Kyle Dubas pulled the trigger on a couple of trades, in the mean time also had time to put goaltender Petr Mrazek on waivers. A surprising move coming only months after Dubas signed the veteran to a three-year contract. The transaction paved the way for the Maple Leafs to acquire former Norris trophy winner Mark Giordano from the Seattle Kraken along with forward Colin Blackwell, who should fit well in Toronto's bottom six. A separate deal saw defenseman Travis Dermott dealt to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round pick. Busy indeed and there could be more. Here's two Maple Leafs who could be moved before Monday's deadline:

Justin Holl

The Maple Leafs play Justin Holl more than people realize as the rugged blueliner ranks 5th on the team in ice-time, averaging 20:37 a night. Holl plays more during games than Auston Matthews, and unlike 'The Franchise', Holl has been a regular on rumor mill, stemming from a November report the Leafs were looking to upgrade both him and Travis Dermott. Those talks led to Dubas acquiring Ilya Lyubushkin from the Arizona Coyotes in a recent deal, escalating the Holl rumors even more of late.

The 30-year-old veteran is having a decent season considering how slow it started. While certainly inconsistent at times, Holl sits with two goals and 14 points in 51 games so far this season and ranks second on the team in hits and blocked shots. Dubas won't give him away for free so if he is indeed shipped out it's likely including several other pieces and to either acquire an upgrade on defense or a second-line left winger. Toronto's blue line is a touch more crowded with Giordano in town, Holl could find himself the odd man out when it's all said and done.

Petr Mrazek

Dubas sent some shock waves throughout Leafs Nation when he waived Mrazek. It wasn't long ago the GM was giving both his goaltenders a vote of confidence and now he's trying to acquire Fleury from the Blackhawks and waiving a goalie he just gave a three year deal to. Look for trade talks to continue into Monday in Toronto and a big focus will be in the crease. Dubas may have to retain some salary if he wants to move on from Mrazek. Perhaps they circle back on Fleury in Chicago or perhaps they look elsewhere. Regardless of who is coming in next, look for the 28-year-old Mrazek to be heading the other way in the deal.

Toronto sees promise in Woll and Kallgren and most definitely, Jack Campbell. It was a massive ask on the futures and potentially a portion of those futures can be used on shoring up Toronto’s D. Turns out…Chicago got a huge return for Hagel from Tampa Bay.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 19, 2022