NHL Rumors: 2 Toronto Maple Leafs Being Shopped on Trade Market

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas continues to work the phones as he tries to tweak his roster ahead of the March 21 trade deadline. Dubas has a history of getting things done mid-season and he's hopeful to make some adjustments to his group ahead of what he hopes is a long playoff run. While the Leafs aren't expected to make any blockbuster moves, they have a couple of players who they are currently shopping:

Nick Ritchie

The free-agent signing gone wrong, so far it's been a dismal season for Ritchie in Toronto. He went from top-six forward out of training camp to healthy scratch to recently being sent down to the minors, all within a few months. In the 33 games Ritchie has appeared in he's registered just nine points. Besides his rookie season in Anaheim it's the worst production of his career. The Maple Leafs signed the rugged winger to a two-year contract for $2.5 million per season and felt comfortable enough with the transaction based on the fact he was coached by Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe in junior. Unfortunately for both sides it just hasn't worked out and he's now on the trade block.

Travis Dermott

The mobile defenseman has been discussed in trades dating back to the start of the season and has currently found himself healthy scratched more times than not lately. Dermott's game is tough to evaluate as he's not overly physical or offensive and kind of just does enough to get by. He's collected four points in 33 games so far this season and is under contract through next season at $1.5 million on the cap. The New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings have been interested in the past so let's see if Toronto circles back. The 25-year-old is the most likely Maple Leaf to be moved before the trade deadline and will likely get shipped out for a mid-round draft pick.

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