Report: 3 key Leafs forwards to hit trade market

The Toronto Maple Leafs are at a bit of a crossroads with a few long-time Leafs forwards.

James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov are all pending unrestricted free agents, and they may all be on their way out of Toronto this season. 

The Hockey Night in Canada panel spoke about the tricky situation on Saturday night.

"No substantive talks at this point with any of those guys, so their futures are uncertain," Chris Johnston said." And we're facing a possibility here leading into the trade deadline where the Leafs are going to have to make a decision potentially even about trading one of them with those futures up in the air."

Johnston mentioned that with Josh Leivo signed to a new contract, it fuels the speculation that at least one of those guys will be on their way out. It's possible that Toronto bites the bullet if they see themselves as contenders as they are and goes for it this year. They may lose one or all for nothing at free agency.

Alternatively, they may see a need in the lineup to become a true contender this year, and use any one of these three players as trade bait.

It'll be an interesting situation to monitor. For the first time in years, Toronto is in a position to buy, and his interesting chips to offer up.