Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumor: Interest in Jonathan Quick?

With growing concerns over Freddie Andersen’s play this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be interested in acquiring Jonathan Quick.

The Los Angeles Kings have missed the playoffs four out of their past six seasons, but they’re still one of the most successful franchises of the 2010s, having won two Stanley Cups in that timeframe.

Now that they’re in a rebuilding phase and potentially bound to miss the playoffs again, they may be interested in moving their All-Star goaltender. Quick’s successor, Cal Petersen, seems ready to become to the new everyday starter, so instead of having internal competition, the Kings may be better suited at trading their asset, while he’s still a legitimate asset.

Quick has a $5.8M cap-hit until 2022-23, so that’s rich for a back-up goalie, but it could actually work out well for the Leafs.

Leafs Could Be Interested in Quick

Freddie Andersen is having the worst statistical season of his career right now, which won’t help his bank account, as he’s set to become a UFA this offseason. Based on his track record, I’d be shocked if he’s the Leafs No. 1 goaltender heading into the playoffs.

As much as I’ve defended his play over the years, Toronto hasn’t had anyone better than him, until now.

Based on the 10 games Jack Campbell has played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he should have the net for the playoff run. Despite playing less than 70 career NHL games, he’s shown enough in the small sample size to be an everyday goalie in this league.

As a result, instead of keeping Andersen as a back-up, until he becomes a free agent, trading him to the Kings for Quick could be a great solution.

Quick is older and potentially worse than Andersen, but this transaction goes beyond the stat sheet. Not only is Quick a two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, but he’s a mentor to Campbell.

When these two played together with the Kings, they formed a real friendship and are still very close today.

Here’s what Campbell told Sportsnet’s Luke Fox last year:

“We have a great relationship. We’re more than just teammates; we’re pretty good buddies off the ice. He’s always giving me pointers, and he helps a lot.”

Quick’s contract may be a concern, but a combined goaltender budget of $7.45M is reasonable. With similar stats to Andersen this year, swapping Quick for Andersen wouldn’t be a huge problem.

Instead of having a sour back-up goalie in Andersen, the Leafs could reunite a friendship with Campbell and Quick, which could really spark confidence and excitement in the dressing room, as this team gets set for a Stanley Cup run.

Although mid-season goalie trades are rare and risky, bringing together an old goalie tandem could be exactly what the Toronto Maple Leafs need.