Should be quite a few, I think. Despite how quiet it is and has been . . . I think it'll be a wave of movement, starting this week or next.
Right now, you have to look at how tight things are getting in the West especially, where it's not just about getting in the playoffs, but being able to compete with Chicago and LA. And I bet you anything LA gets someone too. On the Eastern side, there has been a shift in power, and what you have is some older powers like Pittsburgh, Detroit and the plummeting Montreal that are suddenly only on the cusp of being in the playoffs (obviously Montreal looks out of it now).
Especially on the defensive side, all those teams will look for a solid addition.
Nashville, Colorado, Minny, Detroit, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Boston, Dallas, the Isles, Rangers, and most likely even TB will be (or should be) active buyers. What are the common things they are all looking for?
1. Defensive depth.
2. Scoring depth.
So, of the expiring contracts?
Polak is a lock to go.
PAP is a lock to go.
Grabner SHOULD be a lock, he brings scoring depth and is a solid addition on the PK.
Matthias SHOULD be a lock, he's a big body who can shore up your 3rd or 4th line and not be an offensive drag.
So that's 4. Maybe only 3 of those 4 go, ok.
Then, there's Reimer . . . whew . . . I don't see how the Leafs would want to deal him, I think it should be a work in progress to sign him to an extension or new deal os something after this season so far - but who knows? There could be an offer too juicy to pass up. Unlikely for a goalie, but . . . it could happen.
For the other guys,
Bernier - is there a taker? If so, I think he's Ghandi like Mahatma.
Does a team like Detroit or Minny make a solid play for Phaneuf? If it gets us a 1st rounder, I bet we pull the trigger on it.
Lupul can score . . . for a team with enough room (or if the Leafs can take on a similar big contract) maybe he goes.
Boyes? Unlikely wanted, but who knows . . . for a 5th rounder, I bet he's gone too.
Bozak? That's a much bigger deal obviously, but perhaps.
So, of all those more remote possibilities . . . I'm thinking at least one or two of those guys.
I bet it's 6 or 7 players gone by the deadline.