Report: Maple Leafs planning to trade Lupul prior to deadline

In the game of rebuilding, you're either kept or you're traded.

That appears to be the case in Toronto, as the Maple Leafs - who have already begun the selling process - appear intent on jettisoning more players in advance of the March 2 trade deadline.

The next player to be dealt could be Joffrey Lupul, who's reportedly being shopped. The club hopes to move him in the next week, according to Andrew Walker of Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

Lupul, 31, has proven to be an effective forward when on the ice, but has rarely been able to stay healthy, hitting a high of 66 appearances for the Maple Leafs since the 2010-11 season. He also remains under contract for three more seasons at a cap hit of $5.25 million (via NHL Numbers). Those two factors clearly make him a more attractive sell than a buy.

Over the course of his career, however, he's averaged 25 goals and 52 points for every 82 games, meaning he has the ability to boost any team's offense.

He has a limited no-trade clause, but almost half the league remains eligible to inquire about his services, reports TVA's Renaud Lavoie.

Whether a club is willing to take on the injury risk and the contract is yet to be determined, regardless of Toronto's best-laid plans.