Hockey Trade Rumors

The Top 5 players the Maple Leafs could pick in the draft:

1. Mikhail Grigorenko

Centre, Quebec Remparts QMJHL

If there is one kid who could fall from the four names kept atop most draft lists all year it’s this 6-foot-3 enigma. The Leafs would have to decide between upgrading at forward, specifically centre, where they obviously need help, or adding another defencemen, which they have in abundance in their system.

2. Filip Forsberg

Right wing, Leksand SEL

No relation to Peter Forsberg and says he’s not likely ready contractually or mentally for North America until 2013-14. But he might be the right fit, one spot higher than his famous namesake in 1991.

3. Matthew Dumba

Defenceman, Red Deer Rebels, WHL

Yes, the Leafs are thick in defencemen, including another former Red Deer rearguard in Dion Phaneuf. That doesn’t mean they can’t pick another, hang on to him, then make a trade for a goalie or forward to maximize assets.

4. Jacob Trouba

Defenceman, US Development Team

Trouba has come up the rankings, despite a relatively quiet world junior tournament for the U.S. But he’s another defender who likes the heavy going, despite his still-developing body. He’s committed to the University of Michigan, but the Kitchener Rangers own his OHL rights.

5. Radek Faksa

Centre, Kitchener Rangers

If defencemen aren’t in the Leafs plan, Toronto’s search for an impact forward might lead to Faksa. He had 67 points in 62 games with Kitchener last year. He is a centre and does have some jam, especially as a checker.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toronto/2012/06/18/19889101.html