Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Trade Deadline Wishlist

James Tanner

The Toronto Maple Leafs should be looking at Dougie Hamilton.

If he’s available, no one else on the market would be even close to what he provides. He’s would elevate a blue line that already includes Rielly Gardiner and Dermott to the best in the NHL. At worst, second best to Nashville. Regardless, if the Leafs paid to get him, he’d be here for a minimum of three attempts at a cup.

Hamilton’s cap hit brings a ton of value, and he’d form potentially the best pairing in the NHL with Rielly. Concerns about his character are overblown and stupid. I don’t care how many times Hamilton has been traded, he’s an awesome player.

The cost to get him would have to allow Carolina to make a profit off Lindholm/Hannifin so it’d be pricey. For Hamilton, I’d happily part with Kapanen, Liljegren and a first. Seems high, but really, it’s their 6 or 7th best forward, and two lottery tickets.

Liljegren isn’t likely to ever be as good as Hamilton, and it would give the Leafs the best roster in the NHL.

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All stats courtesy of hockeyreference.com

All salary information courtesy of capfriendly.com