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Toronto Maple Leafs Not Done: Possible Trade Deadline Targets

By James Tanner

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: Jake Muzzin #6 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a slapshot during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: Jake Muzzin #6 of the Los Angeles Kings takes a slapshot during the third period of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at STAPLES Center on January 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 18: Detroit Red Wings Right Wing Gustav Nyquist (14) races in on a breakaway during the third period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Detroit Red Wings on January 18, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – JANUARY 18: Detroit Red Wings Right Wing Gustav Nyquist (14) races in on a breakaway during the third period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Detroit Red Wings on January 18, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Gustav Nyquist by Josh Lawrence

Gustav Nyquist might just be the player that could truly get Nazem Kadri going again.

He is on pace for the best season of his career with 11 goals and 32 assists already. He can shoot, and he can pass. His shot metrics are terrific on top of the fact that he’s got the points to back it up.

What worries me is not only the cost to acquire him, but the cost to keep him on the roster. His salary is 5.5 million but he counts as 4.75 million against the cap.  Again, this player would likely cost at least one of Kapanen or Johnsson, and likely more.

The only way I can see this happening without giving one of them up, is by sending them Liljegren, Bracco and probably a pick or two. Giving them Kapanen or Johnsson the cost of resigning any of them is going to be similar, more so for Nyquist and Kapanen. The only likely scenario in which I see Nyquist coming back is by sending some top prospects there way, and I’m not sure if it’s quite worth it.

Nyquist would really improve the team, but the cost might be enormous.  All improvements now have to be measured against the cost for nex tyear and the Leafs defense is going to be pretty bare next season, and Liljegren may not be as expendable as some think.

Nyquist would be a great addition and I’d love to have him, but unless he can be acquired for less than I’ve suggested here, I don’t think it’s a great fit.

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