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5 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target Before the 2015 Trade Deadline

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Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

5 Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target Before the 2015 Trade Deadline

Maple Leafs
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been an absolute train wreck this season and show no real signs of righting the ship. They will be sellers at the deadline, with veterans such as Daniel Winnik, Cody Franson, Jake Gardinder, and even Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf attracting interest. Look for the Leafs to pile up on young players as they look to start yet another rebuild.

5. Nikolay Goldobin

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5. Nikoly Goldobin

Goldobin
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The teenager was taken in the first round by the San Jose Sharks, and with San Jose loading up for a possible playoff run, Nikoly Goldobin could be shipped out to add veteran depth. Look for the Leafs to pressure the Sharks into giving up the young Russian in any deal involving a veteran player being shipped to San Jose.

4. J.T. Miller

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4. J.T. Miller

New York Rangers v Florida Panthers
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The 21 year old has fallen out of favor in New York, but could become a regular NHLer in Toronto, as the team looks to infuse more youth into the lineup. I can see the New York Rangers having interest in Daniel Winnik, meaning a trade between the two teams could be happening.

3. Derek Forbort

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3. Derek Forbort

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If the reigning champion Los Angeles Kings are buying at the deadline, Derek Forbort is one asset they’d be willing to move. The big defenseman could get consistent NHL ice time in Toronto, and the Leafs have plenty of veterans -- namely Cody Franson -- who interest the Kings.

2. Devante Smith-Pelly

Devante Smith-Pelly
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Devante Smith-Pelly

Devante Smith-Pelly
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After some clutch goals in last year’s playoffs, Devante Smith-Pelley’s play has regressed a little bit this seaon. A clean slate and some consistent top-six minutes could work wonders for the Ontario native, and with the Anaheim Ducks linked heavily to Cody Franson, a deal be in the works.

1. Connor McDavid

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1. Connor McDavid

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While not technically a 2015 deadline candidate, the Leafs can greatly improve their chances of landing the projected top pick in the 2015 Draft by “blowing it up” at the deadline. “Tanking” down the stretch will greatly help the Leafs land the Ontario native and possible franchise center, and moving veteran assets and bringing in young talent is the best way to do it.

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.
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