from Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star,

It’s the more expensive older players — those facing free agency, those seeking big raises as well — whose time as a Maple Leaf is likely limited.

On top of that list is James van Riemsdyk.

At 28, he’s in his prime. He notched a career-high 62 points last season, ranking him ninth among left-wingers. His 118 goals since 2012-13 — the season he became a Leaf — is eighth among left-wingers in that time.

He earns a cap-friendly $4.25 million this season and is said to be asking around $6 million on an extension before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.

If the Leafs truly want to acquire a defenceman — believed to be their biggest hole — then van Riemsdyk is their biggest chip. His name came up over the summer in trade talk and will surely continue into the season.

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