Leafs' Dubas hesitant to trade top draft picks, prospects for rental

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas is in the final year of his contract but isn't prepared to move significant future pieces for short-term help at the upcoming trade deadline.

"There are some players and some draft pick capital that we have that are extremely valuable that we'd be hard-pressed to move on from," Dubas said Thursday.

"I think in regards to rentals, I can't see that happening," Dubas added. "But with regards to other options, I don't think you say no off the hop to anything, but those are very important pieces to us for now and in the future."

Dubas said he's interested in upgrading forward and defense ahead of the March 3 deadline.

"Up front and on D, if there's a way that we can improve the team and give ourselves a chance to make a run at it, then we'll do that," Dubas said.

However, the GM tempered expectations for who Toronto could acquire, with stars like Patrick Kane, Ryan O'Reilly, and Timo Meier rumored to be available.

"The larger focus is always on the bigger names, but we have to look at the people who may improve us overall and not just the big names, per se," Dubas said.

The Maple Leafs return from their All-Star break Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Toronto ranks second in the Atlantic Division with a 31-13-8 record.