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4 Big-Name Players Toronto Maple Leafs Could Trade For

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks to make a play against Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jackets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks to make a play against Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jackets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 22: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Arizona Coyotes  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Darcy Kuemper

Since it’s very unlikely that Freddie Andersen will re-sign in Toronto, the team should do everything they can to find a 1B to Jack Campbell.

Campbell proved his worth this season and showed the fans, and management, that he’s a legit No. 1 goaltender. He not only performed admirably in the regular season, but he came alive in the playoffs as well. Although the team blew a 3-1 series lead, Campbell doesn’t deserve any of the blame.

Even though Campbell showed his value, he’s still a relatively new starting goalie. In addition to that, he only makes $1.65M, so the team can afford to bring in another player to challenge his position, without it hurting the rest of the salary cap.

Since the Arizona Coyotes seem to be, once again, stuck in a rebuilding world, the idea of trading their only goalie on their roster seems fair. The team has a ton of cap-space right now, but Kuemper’s $4.5M cap-hit could be beneficial off the books. After a pandemic season, lowering expenses would be very ideal for a team like Arizona.

In 242 career games, Kuemper has a .917 SV % and 2.47 GAA (stats: hockeydb.com), so acquiring someone of that stature with a $4.5M cap-hit is great value.

Next. 10 Veterans Leafs Should Sign This Offseason. dark

Kuemper could become the starting goalie for the Leafs, but the ideal role would be to play 30-35 games, while Campbell plays 45-50 and is fully rested for the playoffs. Either way, the team should target Kuemper because he would be great 1A/1B with Campbell.

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