Skip to content

Babcock tells Leafs fans not to expect deadline fireworks: 'Find something else to do'

Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty

Mike Babcock will not be glued to his television or furiously refreshing Twitter on March 1.

With the trade deadline inching closer by the day, the hour, the minute, the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach advised that supporters of the blue and white shouldn't be expecting major moves on deadline day.

"If anyone's looking for us to be the news on deadline day, I'd find something else to do," Babcock said, writes the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby.

This despite the fact it was confirmed Thursday that Toronto freed up over $13 million in salary cap space earlier in the season by placing injured players Nathan Horton, Joffrey Lupul, and Stephane Robidas on long-term injured reserve.

With a young squad propelled by rookies and a playoff spot in sight, Toronto may simply take its chances with the roster its assembled.

James van Riemsdyk's name has come up in rumors, thanks to a friendly contract and one season left on it, but he's a big part of the top-six forwards Babcock uses, and after two seasons spent accumulating assets, it's likely Toronto now focuses on accumulating valuable stretch-run and - ideally - playoff experience.

William Nylander's another popular option when discussing potential trades Toronto can make at the deadline, but he's precisely the kind of player Toronto spent years coveting. And were it not for his teammates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the young Swede would be in the conversation for the Calder Trophy - he's that good, too.

While there's a need for another top-four defenseman, it's unlikely Kevin Shattenkirk - who has been the subject of incessant trade rumors - arrives in Toronto on or before the deadline. He's a rental out of St. Louis, and he'll cost a heavy price. The Maple Leafs aren't there, one piece away, just yet.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox