Toronto Maple Leafs: Soshnikov Trade Fair Value for Leafs

Ending what had otherwise been a rocky partnership, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Nikita Soshnikov to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round draft pick.

It’s the outcome many fans expected, but few wanted to happen.

When healthy, Nikita Soshnikov was a force on skates. He finished every check, hunted the puck like a dog on a bone, and was an effective penalty killer. By all accounts, Mike Babcock adored him.

Unfortunately, his health just wouldn’t cooperate.

Following yesterday’s trade, an outpouring of criticism emerged, directed towards the relatively light return the Leafs received for Soshnikov’s services.

Not so fast people.

While Soshnikov may have performed admirably in his limited time as a Leaf, this trade is a lot less lopsided than you may think. Allow me to explain.

Asset Management

It’s easy to lose perception of Soshnikov when viewing him through the lens of the Toronto hockey market.

Yes, he performed admirably on the Marlies. In fact, I’d go so far as to label him dominant. It’s just that AHL production can only do so much for one’s trade value.

To the rest of the NHL, Soshnikov is a 24-year-old, oft-injured, bottom six energy winger with a resume of 14 points in 70 games across three seasons.

Frankly, a 4th round pick is generous.

Could the Leafs have managed Soshnikov better during his time in the organization? Absolutely. Although, the big picture must be acknowledged as well.

Toronto signed Soshnikov as a free agent on March 22nd, 2015. He was brought to the team through a process where the Leafs failed to surrender any tangible assets.

When it came down to it, any further value Soshnikov provided was gravy. At a cap hit of just $736,666, there was little chance of his contract outweighing his value.

Potential

Pointing to Soshnikov’s potential as an effective NHL option is a fair counterpoint. Although, we must first identify how “potential” is defined in this case.

Potential is a term commonly used to describe the future progression of one’s skills. Timothy Liljegren possesses endless potential because at just 18-years-old, his already incredible skills will only get better over time.

Soshnikov is 24, the age generally regarded as when players begin their plateau.

His skills will not improve, only his ability to use them will. While the potential for him to be an effective third liner is every present, it hinges on the choice of his team to use him in such a way.

The Leafs were never going to make that choice, which put a definitive cap on his potential in Toronto. Succumbing to that reality and recouping an asset in return should not be criticized.

It’s a very self-aware move which opens up a plethora of future opportunities while also working in the best interests of the player.

Plus, I’d wager that extra contract spot won’t go to waste.

Health

Health ultimately played a major factor in Soshnikov’s departure as well.

While there most likely were some less-than-honest practices surrounding his injury status, Soshnikov’s constant struggle to stay healthy cannot be ignored.

As Steve Dangle likes to describe it, Soshnikov skated into every opponent “brain first”. That very well may be the style which he plays, but at 5’11, it’s not exactly conducive to a long career.

Regardless of the circumstances, 70 games over three seasons are simply not enough to instil a potential trading partner with confidence.

Following the first game of his conditioning stint, I asked Soshnikov if he felt like his health was back at 100%. This is how he answered:

"I’m close. I have some things, you know. Nobody is 100% at this point in the year, so I can push through it."

For him to be “pushing through” an ailment despite a two-month injury hiatus is far from a promising sign.

In fact, I’d wager that, aside from the 11 games he suited up for in 2015-16, fans have yet to witness a fully healthy version of Soshnikov in action.

To demand an established asset for someone whose health remains such a large variable is simply not fair.

Moving Forward

When reflecting on Soshnikov’s tenure as a Leaf, his resilience should not be ignored.

The primary goal for every athlete is to ply their craft, meaning Soshnikov’s battles with health, and the ensuing lengthy gaps between games must have been excruciating. And yet, he never gave up.

He worked his way back from injury after injury, all while serving as the definition of a good soldier. Despite being given every opportunity to do so, he never (publicly) complained about his roster status or uncertain standing within the organization.

In the end, Soshnikov’s primary focus was on impacting the on-ice product of his team in any way he could. And that, my friends, is the mark of true character.

In St. Louis, Soshnikov will likely be gifted with something he never received in Toronto; capable linemates.

In his three years with the team, his most common NHL partners were Matt Martin and Ben Smith, two players not exactly proficient at generating offence.

According to DailyFaceoff, were Soshnikov to slot onto the Blues’ third line, he’d be playing alongside Vladimir Sobotka and Ivan Barbashev.

Do I even need to ask you which pair you’d prefer?

So, let’s remember this trade for what it truly was. A fresh start for a player in desperate need of one, and roster space for a team in desperate need of some.

For there to be a potentially valuable asset coming back the other way should be cause for celebration.

Next: Marlies Notebook: Soshnikov Cocktail

Good luck in St. Louis, Nikita. We wish you all the best.