Maple Leafs Rumors: Multiple Plans For Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have an interesting week and a bit coming out of the Olympic break as they sit six points back of a playoff spot and have decisions to make about their roster for this season and in preparation of the future.

This is seen as a transition year, the first without Mitch Marner, and attempting to build a more rounded team with the money. That hasn't really worked out, but they are still in the race if they have a strong finish to the season.

According to Pierre LeBrun, "I think they're going to do a bit of both. It wouldn't surprise me if they do some selling, but also try to plug a hole in terms of an offseason move now."

Bobby McMann is the player that stands out that the Maple Leafs might move, but in my opinion, they should be trying to sign him. He's a solid secondary scorer who will be relatively cheap to re-sign and can fit in anywhere on the wings in the top-9, complementing the high-end players.

Calle Jarnkrok would definitely be a player that the Maple Leafs would hope to sell, but I can see the team trying to re-sign Scott Laughton. They paid a high price for him and might want some more years out of him as the fourth line center with the ability to move up and play defensive hockey.

Another aspect to watch for the Maple Leafs is a goalie move, and it's likely going to be Anthony Stolarz. He isn't a pending UFA like the others mentioned, but Toronto does have three capable goalies, he is the oldest, has had the worst year, but has a strong history of performing well, so he will get interest.

As for buying, the Maple Leafs would be looking at a player with a little term. A top-6 forward and a top-4 defenseman fit perfectly with what needs to be acquired for a rebound next season and even a strong finish this season. There is a lot to do if the Maple Leafs are looking to buy and sell, and it is a good strategy as they've got a good enough core to contend again next season.