#21. Toronto trades Ben Harpur to Nashville Predators for Miikka Salomaki (February 22, 2020)
Thoughts: Ben Harpur was never going to crack the Toronto Maple Leafs blue-line, so this trade was a good move for the Marlies. The Leafs farm system had traded a lot of forwards away so Salomaki could fit in well as a top-six forward with the Marlies.
With 167 career NHL games, it’s more likely for Salomaki to end up suiting up for the Leafs than Harpur, so this trade made a ton of sense.
Grade: B+
#22. Toronto trades Martins Dzierkals to Vegas Golden Knights for 2020 5th round pick (February 24, 2020)
Thoughts: The former 3rd round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft unfortunately has not turned into the player he was in junior, having previously been a point-per-game player.
Dzierkals had never actually signed a contract with the Leafs, but since the Leafs still owned his rights after going overseas to play, they were able to gain an asset in this trade, which is a win.
Grade: B –
#23. Toronto trades Jordan Schmaltz to New York Islanders for Matt Lorito (February 24, 2020)
Thoughts: Schmaltz found himself in a similar situation as Ben Harpur.
Both were veteran defenseman who were never going to make it in their current situation. As a result, the Toronto Maple Leafs needed more forward depth with the Marlies so they traded Schmaltz for Lorito hoping that playing near his hometown of Oakville, ON, would help spark something.
Grade: B-
#24. Toronto trades Michael Hutchinson to Colorado Avalanche for Calle Rosen (February 24, 2020)
Thoughts: Hutchinson found himself as the odd-man out after the Leafs traded for Jack Campbell. Having previously traded Calle Rosen to Colorado six months prior, it was funny to see him return so quickly, but he’s been a good addition to a broken-down defense.
Being able to secure an NHL defenseman for seemingly an AHL goaltender was a good move by Dubas.
Grade: A