"Interesting that the Leafs will be without 30% of their regular lineup when they face-off against the Caps.

With James Reimer, Matthew Lombardi, Mike Komisarek, Mikhail Grabovski, Clarke MacArthur and Colby Armstrong all sidelined due to injury, six of the 20 players often dressed by Ron Wilson will be watching the game in street clothes.

The flood of bodies clogging the trainer's room has many panicking fans urging Maple Leafs management to immediately go out and pull the trigger on some huge deals.

But vice-president of hockey operations Dave Poulin said on Friday that the rash of injuries will not play a role in any trade talks. Not yet anyway.

"If something made sense for our hockey team, we'd do it tomorrow regardless of what's going on," Poulin said in a phone interview. "But circumstances right now have no factor with that.

"You have to be patient."

With a cache of talent down on the farm with the Marlies including the likes of Keith Aulie, Mike Zigomanis, Joe Colborne and Nazem Kadri, it's time for guys usually in a supporting role to step up.

"We always talk about depth," Poulin said. "Well, now it's time to put it to the test. Players have opportunities now and they must take advantage.

"We've been issued a challenge and we have to get through this upcoming period.""