Joffrey Lupul signed a five-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs two years ago because that's the place he wanted to play.
But with the Maple Leafs heading toward another season out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Lupul understands he's one of the players that could be traded before the NHL Trade Deadline comes at 3 p.m. ET on March 2.
"There's not much I can do if that's the road they go on," Lupul told the National Post on Sunday. "If I'm not in the plans, I'm not in the plans."
Lupul, 31, has nine goals and 19 points in 33 games. He's missed 27 games because of a broken left hand and lower-body injuries.
"This isn't the situation I thought I'd be in at all," Lupul said. "But again, I don't think this team has been as bad as it's shown these past couple of months. I think there's some really positive pieces. Some young guys have played better. I've only read that it's going to be a complete rebuild. Nobody's come in here and said that we're completely rebuilding this team. I assume they're listening on offers for everyone and going to take it from there."
The Maple Leafs traded defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli to the Nashville Predators on Feb. 15, and rumors have surrounded a number of players on the roster for the past few weeks.
"Everyone's making it sound like [the whole roster] will be gone, but you have to [keep] more experienced players as well," Lupul said. "I'd want to stay here … but again, if I'm not in the plans here and if they truly are going to be making as many changes as I keep hearing about, then I'm comfortable that way too."
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