Toronto Maple Leafs: Jacob Trouba Needed
By James Tanner
The Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need to upgrade their defense.
As I pointed out in this recent column, the choice to sign Ron Hainsey was a terrible one, and the defense remains the Toronto Maple Leafs weak point.
Sure, they could wait until next year, when Rielly will have had another year of development and Timothy LilJegren will definitely be ready. But why wait? The clock is ticking on the entry-level contract window, and the Leafs should act now.
Besides, how often does a guy like Jacob Trouba become available?
Trouba
Jacon Trouba requested a trade, then recanted it, signed a two-year bridge deal and ever since he’s been a human trade rumour. The exact same scenario played out with Jon Drouin, and he was eventually traded.
If Trouba signs another contract with the Jets it would be one of the most shocking things that ever happened in the NHL. That’s how sure I am that he’ll be traded. Eventually.
For now, he’s fairly cheap and the Jets are in no hurry. He also projects favorably into becoming a legit #1 defenseman. He has more upside and is more highly regarded than anyone on the current Leafs roster or in their system.
Yes, that includes both Timothy Liljegren and Morgan Rielly.
Trouba, should he be acquired, would instantly become the Leafs top defenseman.
How Do You Acquire Him?
The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t traded for Jacob Trouba yet for one very good reason: He would cost a ton.
If you thought the price of Taylor Hall was ridiculous to acquire Adam Larsson, then I have bad news for you: Trouba is better than Larson, and other than maybe Auston Matthews, no one on the Leafs is better than Taylor Hall.
The only saving grace is that the Hall trade was so bad that it can’t possibly be used as a standard. To put this in perspective, consider this: If the Leafs traded Auston Matthews straight up for Trouba, that is still a better trade than the Oilers made.
I am not suggesting they do that (they most definitely should not) but only pointing out how badly the Oilers were swindled.
The only way to get Trouba out of Winnipeg without paying Marner, Nylander or Liljegren, is to overpay with a package of a higher quantity of lesser parts.
First, begin by offering them James van Riemsdyk + three decent prospects: Adam Brooks, Travis Dermott and Carl Grundstom.
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Next, up the package with first-rounders until the Jets accept. I’m thinking this is probably going to take at least two. Finally, you’re gonna have to take back a bad contract.
Conclusion:
Even with JVR, three B prospects, a bad contract taken on, and two first rounders given, I’m still not sure the Jets could take that deal. They may insist on Liljegren, Kapanen, or Marner, in which case, I say don’t do it.
But the Leafs need to find a way to get it done. Adding Jacob Trouba makes them a legit Cup Contender, right now. What I’m suggesting might seem like a lot, and it is. But you have to turn your prospects into usable players at some point. Also, overpaying with picks and B prospects is the only way you can get a #1 Dman while keeping your best players.
The Leafs are young enough in the NHL that they could withstand this massive blow to their development pipeline. In all likelihood, the Leafs will never make a trade like this. It might make more sense to just wait and see what happens internally.
But how often are players like Trouba available? Shouldn’t the team pursue every avenue of improvement? Whatever the cost actually is, the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider paying it.