Toronto Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Chicago Blackhawks
I haven’t heard the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks involved in a trade rumor, until now.
Yes, the gauntlet has been thrown down and Toronto Maple Leafs star in James van Riemsdyk is now tied to the Chicago Blackhawks.
I know, it sounds a little crazy simply because it is.
The idea – if we want to call it that – was first brought to my attention in January 2017 by Mark Wemken of Fox Sports and then reiterated briefly yesterday by Mark Easson of NHL Rumors from another link.
Interesting thought, both Trevor van Riemsdyk and his brother, James playing on the same team.
Although the thought of our van Riemsdyk leaving the Leafs can be painful to think of, it might be worthwhile, but does it make sense in regards to the Blackhawks?
Let’s explore, shall we?
The Link
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So, Wemken gave five reasons in his article before the 2017 trade deadline why the Blackhawks should go for van Riemsdyk.
Of course, the deadline has obviously passed and these five thoughts are now null.
However, to better my point that will be made, I’ll lay the titles out word for word below.
- Productivity
- Intelligence
- Size and toughness
- Cap hit
- His little brother is already a Blackhawk
My problem here is that there isn’t much to his points.
Okay, let’s move onto Easson’s rumor.
Here’s what he said.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Will have at least $12 million in cap space and might be looking to improve their defense. Would any of the Blackhawks veterans be open to a trade to Toronto? The Blackhawks have had their eye on James van Riemsdyk, who carries a $4.25 million cap hit next year before becoming a UFA.
That’s the first time that I’ve heard the Blackhawks have an interest in van Riemsdyk.
The information was pulled from an article by Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.
Interesting.
Blackhawks Cap
The Blackhawks have virtually no cap space, so this trade doesn’t seem entirely logical to me.
Yes, they need to unload some contracts, but with a guy like van Riemsdyk nearing the completion of his current deal, he’ll be looking for a raise.
Probably a big one at that and I just don’t think that Blackhawks will have space for him.
The whole point of this is to not read into the ‘rumor’ if we want to call it that too much.
The chances of seeing van Riemsdyk in a Blackhawks sweater are slim to none unless some massive blockbuster trade occurs.
I just don’t see it happening.