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Toronto Maple Leafs: Avoid Trading For Erik Karlsson

By Josh Tessler |
OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 02: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) passes the puck along the blue line during second period National Hockey League action between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 02: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) passes the puck along the blue line during second period National Hockey League action between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators on April 2, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs should avoid making trades for Erik Karlsson.

Karlsson had a great season with the Ottawa Senators last season. In 71 games played, he registered 9 goals, 53 assists, 15 PPP and a 51.4 corsi-for percentage (CF%). It was a great season for him, but it was far from his best. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t his fault as the Senators’ offense was rather abysmal.

Even though Karlsson is an elite defenseman, he doesn’t make much sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’d be a rental player as his contract ends after next season. In addition, the Maple Leafs already have two top four two-way defensemen who can be effective in the offensive zone. With Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner already on the roster and Timothy Liljegren in the system, it really doesn’t make sense.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs made a trade with the Senators for him, they’d have to part with multiple assets. As you can imagine, Ottawa and their fans aren’t going to be in love with the thought of Karlsson going to a rival. Pierre Dorion and their front office would most likely force Kyle Dubas to empty his pockets. The Sens would likely ask for William Nylander, Mitch Marner or Liljegren in return. It wouldn’t just be an one for one trade, as the Sens would expect additional draft picks/prospects coming back to Ottawa.

Yes, the Maple Leafs could then turn around and make a trade for assets. Dubas could potentially flip Gardiner for assets, but the return wouldn’t make it worth it. The Maple Leafs front office would be better off looking for other defensemen to trade for.

Other Options

There are several other defensemen that Dubas could explore a trade for.

Roughly a week ago, I wrote a post on the subject of making a trade with the Calgary Flames for right handed defenseman, Dougie Hamilton. Yes, Hamilton is one of the best defenseman in the NHL, but the cost for him would be a lot less than Karlsson.

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If Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs want to spend less in a trade, there are several other options.

My colleague, James Tanner wrote a post on the Maple Leafs potentially talking to their friends down in Raleigh, North Carolina for a trade. There are a couple of interesting names on the Carolina Hurricanes that could be a solid fit in Toronto. They could look at grabbing Justin Faulk or Trevor van Riemdsyk.

If I were Dubas, I’d prefer to acquire van Riemdsyk over Faulk. TVR and Faulk had comparable CF percentages, but Faulk was more effective in the offensive zone. Due to his performance in the offensive zone, Don Waddell, the general manager for the Hurricanes could ask for a significant return. While with TVR, the return wouldn’t be an astronomical.

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At the end of the day, there are cheaper options than Karlsson. The Maple Leafs should look to explore those options than break the bank. They could add a defenseman like TVR and upgrade their third line defensive pairing.

stats from NHL.com & hockey-reference.com

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