Maple Leafs inching closer to blockbuster deal involving Avalanche forward
Photo credit: Ashley Potts / NHLI
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly inching closer to completing a major blockbuster deal to acquire former Colorado Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta, a move that could add grit and experience to their bottom-six. Kiviranta has been linked to multiple trade rumours over the offseason.
Kiviranta has spent his last two NHL seasons with the Avalanche, registering a total of 32 points in 135 games in Colorado.
Maple Leafs closing in on former Avalanche star.
Cole Shelton from Heavy.com writes that while most of the marquee free agents are off the board, there are still quality NHL players available.
With the Maple Leafs in need of a top-six winger to help offset the potential loss of Mitch Marner's offensive production, Kiviranta could be a smart signing to fill that gap.
"Kiviranta is arguably the best free agent available, and his still being unsigned is a bit of a surprise. Given that he's unsigned, the Maple Leafs could offer Kiviranta a one-year deal worth around $1 million, which would be a raise from what he made last season." -Shelton
Kiviranta could be a viable option to take over as the Maple Leafs' second-line left winger, a spot held by Bobby McMann, who may be better suited for a third-line role.
He posted 16 goals and 7 assists for 23 points over 79 games with the Avalanche last season. An undrafted free agent known for his relentless work ethic, the 29-year-old would bring a blue-collar mentality to Toronto's top six.
Kiviranta also brings valuable playoff experience, having suited up in 51 postseason games and tallying 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists), making him a steady presence in high-pressure situations.
It's surprising that Kiviranta remains unsigned, especially considering the key role he played for Colorado last season. Throughout the year, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar frequently praised the Finnish forward for his contributions.
«I feel like (Kiviranta's) game started at a really high level this year. (It) kind of picked up where it left off (from) last year's playoffs and second half of the year, and he's been there all year. So that leads to more scoring opportunities, he's putting the puck in the net more, but I do think it's nothing special. I think it's just him getting to a high level and staying there. He's been one of our most consistent players all year.» -Bednar
Kiviranta was also a fan favourite in the Avalanche locker room thanks to his relentless work ethic. His ability to play up and down the lineup would give Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube valuable flexibility when building out his roster.
The Maple Leafs currently have just under $3 million in available cap space, giving them limited, but not insignificant, flexibility to make a move.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 26 | 54 ANSWERS Maple Leafs inching closer to blockbuster deal involving Avalanche forward Do you think the Avalanche should re-sign Kiviranta this offseason? | ||
| yes | 40 | 74.1 % |
| no | 14 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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