Maple Leafs Adopt Quantity Approach Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for defensive reinforcements as the trade deadline approaches, but their minimal draft assets provide a barrier in negotiations. According to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs are hesitant to trade their 2024 first-round pick since they will not have a second-round pick in the next three drafts. This has left the company with little alternative but to approach the trade deadline with a novel strategy: offer quantity above quality.
According to previous reports, General Manager Brad Treliving’s long-term pursuit has focused on Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev, who remains a major target. However, the Leafs have investigated other options, including inquiry into the availability of Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Walker and Nashville Predators’ Alexandre Carrier, both pending unrestricted free agents.
The Leafs’ major stumbling block looks to be their unwillingness to trade their first-round pick and the lack of a second-round pick in the next three drafts. According to Johnston, “they have been trying to go with volume, providing many lower-round draft picks. So far, the teams involved in the discussions have expressed no interest in doing so.”
Will the Maple Leafs Stand Pat or Crater to the Pressure To Add?
Tanev, who has one goal and 12 points in 51 games this season, is a popular trade target. However, there are issues about his value as a 34-year-old defenseman, and there is no assurance he will stay after this season, so trading a first for him is risky. He has an expiration cap hit of $4.5 million. He is sure to receive a rise as teams compete for his services throughout the summer.
Sean Walker, ranked seventh on the Trade Bait board, has five goals and 19 points in 55 games, with a $2.65 million cap cost. He, too, is a pending UFA who will receive a sizable rise.
Alexandre Carrier, ranked No. 10 on the Trade Bait board, with four goals and 15 points in 49 games and the lowest cap cost of the trio at $2.5 million. He is also a UFA and may be the best value of the group, but he will still fetch a decent pick.
The Maple Leafs must decide what they are willing to part with while still managing the salary cap. According to CapFriendly, they presently have $2.06 million in cap space and are facing a severe financial scenario with only three weeks till the deadline.
Could the Maple Leafs Switch Gears Completely at the Deadline?
While defense upgrades are key priorities, the Maple Leafs have surfaced as a possible destination for goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that Fleury, following a four-hour discussion with his agent, is dedicated to the Minnesota Wild’s playoff aspirations but may consider other options if they fall out of contention. The Leafs are believed to be intrigued.
It’s unclear what the market is like for goalies, let alone the asking price. But would Toronto be more willing to trade a high pick for a top-tier goalie? This season, the 39-year-old goaltender has a 10-9-3 record, a.903 save percentage, and a 2.83 goals-against average, with a $3.5 million cap charge that will expire.
