Should the Maple Leafs Trade Leo Komarov?
Heading into the trade deadline, there are still some questions remaining for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I have written a lot about the Leafs trade deadline lately, and frankly, I really don’t think much will happen. But the prospect of Leo Komarov potentially being moved intrigued me.
Many have speculated this thought and the likelihood of it happening is unknown.
There’s reasons in favour of him being moved and reasons against the idea. With the Leafs current situation, is it really a good idea?
Why Should he Go?
Komarov presents an interesting case for this Toronto Maple Leafs team. He’s 30-years-old and is on an affordable contract for a second to third line winger, earning a cap hit of $2.95 million over four years. His contract can seem very attractive to other contending teams looking to bolster their bottom six.
Komarov has been a great player these last couple of seasons. Last season was Komarov’s best by far. He put up 19 goals and 17 assists in 67 games for the Leafs. Those numbers might not seem that good, but on last year’s Leafs roster it was enough for third on the team’s entire rankings, which even got him an All-Star game nod (although it was probably just because every team needed at least one representative).
Komarov’s trade value was at its peak last season, and a lot of people wanted him to be flipped while his value was that high. This season, Komarov currently has 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 60 games this season. Although he is close to reaching similar numbers as before, he is clearly declining.
The Leafs are sellers at this point in the rebuild. Leo Komarov presents himself as probably being the Leafs biggest trade bait for teams going into the trade deadline. A third line winger who can play physical and score is valued quite a lot by teams.
The Leafs also could replace Komarov quite easily with somebody already in the system. Kerby Rychel and Brendan Leipsic come to mind as two players with a similar physical, yet offensive play style. In fact both these players are second and third in Marlies scoring this season, so it should be no surprise that they can most likely make a successful transition to the NHL if given the opportunity.
Why Should he Stay?
The argument for keeping Komarov is important too.
On any other team, a 30-year-old may not seem like the most important presence. On a team full of rookies however, that 30-year-old can be a veteran presence among young guns. This is what the Leafs have in Komarov.
Leo Komarov is a gritty player who’s a great team guy. He’ll be there to help the young guys develop well and will serve as a great presence on the ice if he stays with the Leafs.
Like I mentioned above, Komarov is a great fit as a third line winger on a contending team. Well currently, the Leafs are a playoff contending team. The Leafs can still utilize him going forward on the second or third line. He has great chemistry going with the young guys, and if the Leafs are looking to make a splash in the playoffs this year, they should be looking to keep pieces like Komarov for their run rather than getting rid of him.
The Verdict on Leo Komarov
Ultimately, there is no immediate answer in this debate. The Leafs are in limbo right now in terms of their status. They’re going through a rebuild, but they’re also contending for a playoff spot. It’s a weird situation to be in, and whatever management decides is best for the team–committing to playoffs or the rebuild–will affect Leo Komarov’s future. If rebuilding was the sole purpose of this year, Leo Komarov would bring in a decent return. If the Leafs want a deep playoff run, they may consider buying at the deadline.