Considering exit value as part of the deal Since Grabner is an unrestricted free agent after this season, it?s worth considering what he could bring back at the trade deadline. Generally, four types of players see abnormal increases in trade value at the trade deadline: depth defencemen, goalies, veteran leaders, and forwards who can score. Grabner could prove to be a good addition to a contender at the deadline. Anyone who was excited about what we could get for Matthias or any of the guys on PTO contracts should be even more excited now, because Grabner could bring back a better return than any of them. The chance to acquire an extra first or second round pick at the deadline is not an insignificant gain, especially during a period where the Leafs are still benefitting from a window of insider knowledge of OHL prospects, courtesy of Mark Hunter, Kyle Dubas and DJ Smith.