Trade Bait: 3 deals to consider for Maple Leafs' Andreas Johnsson

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves under some financial constraints come next season and are looking for ways to improve their club but also save money. While Kyle Dubas has recently come out and mentioned he's loving this Bubble format so he can take a closer look at some free agents to-be, it's members of his own team that may be changing logos. It's clear with the Leafs having blue-chip prospect, Nick Robertson on their playoff roster, that next season keeping Andreas Johnsson and his $3.4 million dollar contract, to play a depth role, doesn't make a ton of sense.

Look for 'Mango' to be dealt in the off season and here are 3 deals to consider for Andreas Johnsson:

To the San Jose Sharks for LHD, Jacob Middleton - Middleton is 6'3, plays with an edge, and at 24 years old, fits perfectly with the Maple Leafs core. Also having family in Ontario, he would love a chance to play for the hometown Leafs. Johnsson would give the Sharks some much needed secondary scoring and his speed fits well into their identity up front. Middleton is an RFA, however, a bridge deal around $2 million is likely in order.

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To the Edmonton Oilers for RHD, Matthew Benning - With Cody Ceci and Tyson Barrie not expected back, the Leafs will be shopping hard for right-handed defensemen. These two teams have been linked to a deal in the past, and it should come as no surprise the conversations could pick back up at the draft. The Oilers need depth wingers and Johnsson is capable of moving up and down the lineup. Keep an eye on these two teams one way or another.

To the Colorado Avalanche for RHD, Conor Timmins - Kyle Dubas loves Conor Timmins and has a ton of knowledge on him as Timmins comes from the same junior system as Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and the aforementioned Dubas. The Avs are ready to take the jump to the next level, so adding Johnsson and his 25-goal potential could be a great fit. The trade would save the Leafs some money and give the team a potential stud for their back-end. If Timmins is NHL ready next year which seems to be the consensus, this deal could make a ton of sense.

One other to consider is Colin Miller of the Buffalo Sabres. Miller, also a former Greyhound, flourished in Vegas before signing a multi-year deal in Buffalo. While not likely the Sabres and Leafs make a trade together, they actually match up pretty well here. An offensive minded d-man, and a winger who can score. Toronto would want Buffalo to retain some salary, so they could save a few bucks, but either way, a good match but not likely to happen.

Because of the surprise of a flat salary cap, Kyle Dubas is going to make moves this off season. From signing a couple of value free-agents, to making a couple of impact trades like dealing an Andreas Johnsson, expect the creative minded Dubas to put on his boots and go to work from the NHL Draft to opening night.