There are plenty of quality forwards available and the buyers and sellers are more established than usual. Several rebuilding teams have held their players out of the lineup to protect them from injury — usually a clear sign that we’re going to see a trade.
With so many quality players available, this shapes up as a buyer’s market. Mark Stone and Artemi Panarin are in a league of their own, but beyond them, there is a large group of available forwards with minimal separation between them. Second round picks will be given away like candy.
Toronto’s Unpredictable Deadline Day
On one hand, the Leafs can do nothing and say that Jake Muzzin was their trade deadline acquisition.