5 Players (& Contracts) The Maple Leafs Would Love To Dump By The Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs certainly have some targeted needs at the upcoming trade deadline, most critically, a productive center, likely a 3C. An additional defenseman would also be on the docket.

But with $2.2 million of cap space available, they'll be looking to ship out some money in order to make room for a more significant addition.

Per Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, these five would be the players (and contracts) they'd love to move out, though their value on the trade market is questionable, at best:

Max Domi (3 more years, $3.75M AAV)

It's been a disappointing run in Toronto for the son of Leafs' iconic enforcer Tie Domi. Max posted just nine goals and 47 points in his first season last year. And though that was enough to earn him a 4-year extension, that cap hit is looking very troubling already, as he's managed just three goals this season and 22 points in 49 games. As Siegel notes, to facilitate a trade, it'll take a team "that needs NHL players and doesn’t care much about his bloated contract."

David Kampf (2 more years, $2.4M AAV)

Yes, he actually has points in two consecutive games for the first time this season (1 g, 1 a), but Kampf's production hasn't matched his $2.4M cap hit, with only four goals and nine points this season, and eight goals and 19 points last year. His money would come in much more handily than his presence on the ice.

Conor Timmins ($1.1M, RFA)

A team would have control of Timmins after this season, as he'll be an RFA. He is a right-handed shot and can move the puck, so there is potentially some value there for another team. He's been in and out of the lineup as the 6th/7th D-man.

Topi Niemelä ($856,000, RFA)

His one-time standing as a top prospect has dissipated, and they would be happy to unload him at this point.

Marshall Rifai (2 more years at $775K)

He's performed admirably with the Marlies in the AHL, but at nearly 27 years old, his chances of ever breaking through are quickly diminishing.