Apr 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan talks to the press during a press conference at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
After months, weeks then days of speculation, the NY Islanders pulled the trigger and shipped defenceman Travis Hamonic to the Calgary Flames for three draft picks. Rumors initially indicated GM Garth Snow holding out for two first round picks. The Islanders will receive Calgary’s 1st and 2nd round picks in 2018 plus a conditional 2019 2nd round pick.
Did the Flames pay too much? The Leafs took years to recover when Burke swapped 3 picks for Phil Kessel, the Hamilton trade worked out OK pic.twitter.com/jIJEHoAhaR
Hamonic is under contract for three more seasons at $3,857,143. That is a reasonable cap hit for what he brings to the Flames back-end. The deal is eerily similar to what the Flames surrendered for 24-year-old RHD Dougie Hamilton in 2015. The Hamilton trade is so far considered a huge win for the Flames.
Strike one… 0-1
The Ducks Defencemen Staying Put
For weeks leading up to the expansion draft were the trade rumors of either Vatanen or Manson. Due to the expansion draft rules, the Ducks were unable to protect both. Bob Murray sent Vegas a package which included promising youngster Shea Theodore as an enticement to select Clayton Stoner. With the buyout of Despres and Vegas selecting Stoner, the Ducks are in a position where they no longer need to move a defenceman.
Strike 2… 0-2
Vancouver Canucks, Chris Tanev
For the past season or longer, rumors are the Vancouver Canucks shopping 6’2, 195lb. Chris Tanev. As one of the best defensive players in the NHL, Tanev would be a great acquisition, yet it seems the Cancucks are either hesitant to trade him or asking for the moon.
If there is a GM that runs his team in a more contradictory and confused way than Benning, it is Joe Sakic. A highly skilled and ferocious competitor while leading the Avalanche to their only Stanley Cup, Sakic’s management skills have little to do with the player he was.
Rumor has it that Colorado is once again shopping their best defenceman, 5’10, 190lb. Tyson Barrie. Barrie is a solid player and he is right handed. The Toronto Maple Leafs could do worse.
If acquired, Barrie would provide elite offense and sub-standard defense. He is the very definition of an offensive defensemen, and if paired with Jake Gardiner – whose shot-suppression skills are vastly under-appreciated, they might form one of the best pairings in the NHL.
It’s a high risk, high reward play, and the cost to get him would likely be high.
Foul Tip, Ball 2… 2-2
Minnesota Wild, Mathew Dumba
The Wild found themselves in a similar position to the Ducks in the days leading up the draft. Unable to protect all their players, GM Chuck Fletcher threatened to trade any and all assets rather than lose a core player to Vegas for nothing. While trade rumors swirled about possible landing spots for Matt Dumba and Marco Scandella, the Leafs were central to much of the talk once again. In the end, Fletcher found a way to keep his defensive core intact.
Apr 22, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) passes in the second period against the St Louis Blues in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
The Wild surrendered former 1st round pick and promising prospect Alex Tuch plus their 2017 or 2018 Conditional 3rd Round Pick. The Knights officially signed Erik Haula to a three-year, $8.25 million contract Wednesday night.
Strike 3, the Leafs are OUT… of draft day trade options.
George McPhee was the star of the draft
Never in the history of NHL expansion, had an NHL team had the advantages allocated to the the Golden Knights. All things considered, that’s what one billion dollars will buy you. Las Vegas was able to select some very good players, especially defencemen. Whether selected to play for the team or flipped for future picks, prospects or players for the current roster, McPhee has an unprecedented opportunity.
He began by flipping D Trevor van Riemsdyk, selected from the Blackhawks to the Hurricanes. There have been rumors the Toronto Maple Leafs had an interest in TvR and were looking for a deal with Chicago.
Vegas then flipped D David Schlemko, taken from San Jose to Montreal for a 5th round pick in 2019. There was no trade chatter about Schlemko. If the Leafs had interest, knowing Lou and the information blackout, no one ever will ever know…
Colin Miller, Golden Knights
Next up on the Rumor Mill, D Colin Miller, 6’1, 196lb. defender formerly of the Boston Bruins. This trade rumor is gaining traction. Miller, a smooth skating 24-year-old RHD would fit well in the Leafs bottom four but at what cost? That my friends is the question? I think Miller would be a great addition nevertheless, he is not a difference maker.
The Golden Knights continue to have right-hand defencemen Miller, Jon Merril, plus Shea Theodore. On the left side, their best defenceman is If the season were to start next week, the Golden Knights will have ten
If the season were to start next week, the Golden Knights will have nine defencemen on their roster. Somebody(s) has to go.
Las Vegas has 10 D-men, who is the next to go? Leafs still need RHD —>Merril, Miller, Theodore? pic.twitter.com/LlxDy2cLSg
At this point, the Golden Knights have yet to play a game and have less than 4 million in cap space. The Knights have more moves coming.
The Knights need talent at both the NHL and AHL levels. The Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs are able to help them meet that goal.
*June 26, 2017, Mark Methot has been sent to dallas Stars goaltending prospect Dylan Ferguson and a 2020 second-round pick*
Kevin ‘Shatter the Bank’ Shattenkirk
Firstly, since there are no fits within mainstream trade rumors, let’s revisit the Toronto Maple Leafs options for free agency come July 1, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk is the crown jewel of this summer’s free agency. The undisputed top RH defenceman available July 1st, 2017
As a result, he will garner interest from every team with cap space to burn. Based solely on his numbers, he is undoubtedly worth every penny for the first three years of the contract the NY Rangers will throw at him.
May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
Shattenkirk wants to be “The Guy”. Well, he will that guy for the Leafs while winning a Stanley Cup or two. Or more. Just not for $7 Million dollars/per year. Let’s speculate for a moment. What if the Toronto Maple Leafs offer him a 2 year deal for $17 million dollars, $8.5 per season? The understanding being that should things work out the team will extend him at a more team friendly number.
James Tanner has convinced me Shattenkirk would look great in the Blue and White. Should Lou find a way financially to make this work? Yes of course. Eventually, players must decide what their priorities are, The Cup, or $$$. It is difficult to pull both off together. At this point in time, the Leafs aren’t ready to challenge for a Stanley Cup as with the current roster. Ultimately, with the addition of Shattenkirk and the maturation of the young roster, this team will surprise.
With those statistics, Shattenkirk patrolling the right side will move the Toronto Maple Leafs D from average to very good.
Karl Alzner
Why would the Toronto Maple Leafs pay Karl Alzner $4-5 Million + dollars per year when they can bring back Roman Polak for pennies on the dollar? Regrettably, some team will pay Alzner. The Senators?
Frightening to think of.
End of discussion.
NO to Karl Alzner.
No to free agent Carl Alzner. People crapped on Polak but when you look at the numbers... pic.twitter.com/Dk9AxK4FqL
Andrew Boehmer did a piece on undrafted free agent defenceman Darryn Raddysh in May. Anyone who has read my stuff knows, I am very high on this kid. In the following article by Lauren Kelly, she discusses Raddysh and his possible fit. Named the OHL defenseman of the year, he helped Erie to the OHL championship. He scored 81 points in 62 games while also putting up a point-per-game during the playoffs in his D +3.
Reaching his physical maturity helped him blossom and this year put 80% of his game together. IMO, Raddysh is still a few years from the NHL. His skating is vastly improved yet nowhere near NHL caliber.
At this point, let’s hope the Leafs convince Raddysh his best option is the Toronto Maple Leafs, his childhood team.
Mar 20, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres (24) is named a star of the game after the Ducks beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 during the overtime period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
Simon Despres, RHD, bought-out by the Anaheim Ducks/ free agent
Recently, I did a piece touting the virtues of signing Simon Despres. After spending most of the past two seasons recovering from concussions, the Ducks bought him out. In fact, Anaheim needed to clear cap space for Josh Manson’s contract extension. With Despres history of injuries, Bob Murray decided the risks outweighed the possible gains.
“The Ducks acquired Despres for Ben Lovejoy at the 2015 trade deadline. He is a lefty but moved to the right side meshing with Cam Fowler during the rest of the 2014-15 season and the playoffs. He impressed earning a 5 year $18.5 million dollar contract.”
While he does not add much offensively, he brings a strong physical presence to his game. Despres suffered two serious head checks during the 2015-16 season. He dressed for only one game since.
With his history of concussions, teams will stay away from the 6’4, 225 lbs. defenceman. If healthy, he will garner interest across the league. As Per Cap Friendly, the Ducks will pay Despres $662,500 per season until 2024-25. I am not sure what interest if any, the Leafs have in Despres however, in my opinion, he is a very intriguing option. Low risk, high reward. Financially a winner. A perfect partner for Rielly or Gardiner.
Above all, every fan loves the home run, yet a bunt, single, double and even sacrifices play a role in the eventual success or failure of a team. The smallest things end up becoming a vital cog. The Toronto Maple Leafs of past years would swing for the fences, often striking out. The new management understands; every move, however insignificant it may seem, can become the difference between failure, and a Stanley Cup.
In conclusion, with so many options, what would you do? Please add your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.
