San Jose Sharks: Seven Trade Ideas Before the Deadline

Jan 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman

(3) battles for the puck with Ottawa Senators right wing

(90) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Dion Phaneuf – Toronto Maple Leafs

Phaneuf is the fourth Maple Leaf on the list. He is also the oldest player on this list at 29 years-old. Phaneuf is locked up for another six years after 2015, and he will be 35 when his contract expires. He would bring experience and leadership at a fairly young age. He still could perhaps fit into Wilson’s youth movement, but is right on the edge of that window. Many believe that Phaneuf could help shore up San Jose’s defense. If they were to pull the trigger on the deal, they would have Marc-Edouard Vlasic on one defensive pairing, Phaneuf on another and Brent Burns on another.

His presence would give them some much needed options. The Sharks could put them each with a younger or less-skilled defenseman, or they could front load the pairings and put two of them together. It would also help the power play. Phaneuf has 13 power play points in 49 games this season, which is tied for 20th in the league.

Phaneuf, a former ninth overall pick by Calgary in 2003, was traded to Toronto in January of 2010. He has three goals and 20 assists this season. He is also only a -4 for the struggling Maple Leafs squad.

The price may be reasonable, but it still is hefty. The Leafs would likely demand two prospects and a high draft pick to make the deal.

Possible trade:

To SJS: Dion Phaneuf

To TOR: Tomas Hertl/Mirco Mueller/Matt Nieto/Nikolay Goldobin [pick one], first round draft pick

Chances of happening: 20%