Toronto Maple Leafs Rumour Round Up: Kuemper, Landeskog and More

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 22: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Arizona Coyotes during the NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Golden Knights 5-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 22: Goaltender Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Arizona Coyotes during the NHL game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Golden Knights 5-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Back in June, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that there was some mutual interest between Dougie Hamilton and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Friedman commented that he believes Hamilton would help stabilize the Toronto’s defense. He also reported that he’s been told that Hamilton would be interested in playing for the Maple Leafs, because he’s from Toronto.

Both of those are great things, but at the end of the day it comes down to price. Luke Fox from Sportsnet reported that Hamilton is seeking a long-term deal worth slightly more than $8 million per season. That is no easy thing for Dubas and the cap strained Maple Leafs to try and get.

Right away, fans began to say it is not possible, but with the master of the salary cap Brandon Pridham on Dubas’s side, they would find a way to make it work. If they are willing to move Kerfoot and his $3.5 million to make room for Landeskog at $7 million, they can find a way to make room for another $1.25 million to $1.5 million.

Another thing to think about is that if Kerfoot is traded before the NHL expansion draft, then the Seattle Kraken will likely select either Holl or Dermott. If either of those two players is selected, Toronto will have an additional $1.5 million to $2 million in cap space.

Right now, Toronto has $9.35 million in cap space. If they trade Kerfoot for no roster players, that will give them $12.85 million. Add the cap hit from Dermott or Holl to that, and Toronto would have between $14.35 million – $14.85 million. That is more than enough to sign Hamilton to a long-term deal with an $8.25 million AAV, with cap space left over to fill out the roster.

Hamilton is a big guy at 6’6 and 227 Lbs. He records an average of 40 points a season and eats up a ton of ice time. One thing Toronto lacked last season was having a scoring threat from the point on the power-play. Hamilton would provide them with that as well as a guy who can wait for the right pass to present itself.

Whether the Toronto Maple Leafs can add either of Hamilton or Landeskog, I think it is in the team’s best interest for Dubas to make a big splash this off-season.