Maple Leafs eye blockbuster deal involving Avalanche Stanley Cup champion
Photo credit: USA Today / The Japan Times
In a recent piece for the The Hockey News, NHL analyst Adam Proteau suggested a bold trade scenario that could address the Toronto Maple Leafs' top-six forward need following Mitch Marner's departure in a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.
According to Proteau, there's a potential scenario in which the Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames could pull off a blockbuster swap, exchanging star players from opposite ends of the ice, one of which who is a former Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup champion.
Maple Leafs eye blockbuster deal involving Nazem Kadri
Antonio Losada from Athlon Sports writes that Proteau argues there's a strong case for Toronto to trade defenseman Morgan Rielly to Calgary in exchange for Nazem Kadri, who has been rumored as a potential Maple Leafs returnee early in the offseason.
Proteau highlighted that Leafs GM Brad Treliving has recognized the necessity of finding a replacement for Marner following his trade to Vegas.
Nazem Kadri for Morgan Rielly, who says no?
Here's what Treviling had to say after losing Marner earlier last week...
«Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven't replaced that hole. That's really where our focus is.» -Treviling
Building on that point, Proteau argues that Toronto is unlikely to pursue any major free-agent signings due to the limited talent available, making trades the most viable option.
This is where Kadri comes into play, as Proteau suggests a swap of Rielly for Kadri could fit neatly within a salary cap constraints.
"Certainly, the money involved in a Kadri/Rielly trade is almost a perfect match. If the Flames are taking on that extra year of Rielly's salary, Treliving may have to add another asset to make a deal work for the Flames - something like a second-round draft pick, which the Maple Leafs have in the 2027 and 2028 drafts." -Proteau
Proteau also noted that the Leafs could slot Kadri in as their second-line center, move John Tavares to the wing or the third line, and instantly add valuable depth down the middle.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 8 | 27 ANSWERS Maple Leafs eye blockbuster deal involving Avalanche Stanley Cup champion Will Nazem Kadri get traded before the start of next season? | ||
| yes | 14 | 51.9 % |
| no | 13 | 48.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
