Toronto Maple Leafs Trade With The Calgary Flames
A trade between these two teams would accomplish two things. For the Flames, it would allow them to upgrade their defense for this season and next season. For Toronto, they could get much needed cap space and some possible depth.
Calgary has expressed interest in Holl and would consider him to be an upgrade over veteran blueliner Michael Stone. Now, this is where the trade makes sense for both teams. Holl going to Calgary is an upgrade for them, while Stone going to Toronto would give the Toronto Maple Leafs, cap relief, and a depth defenseman.
Stone only makes $750,000 this season before becoming a UFA this summer. He would provide the Maple Leafs with $1.25 million in cap relief plus give them a veteran depth option should they need it. Stone has only played in one game this season, but gave Calgary some reliable minutes.
From a salary cap standpoint, this is the best trade option for Toronto, but from a production standpoint, it is the worst option. So it comes down to what Toronto really wants in return for Justin Holl. Are they looking for a seventh defenseman who can supply some offense, or do they want cap relief and a depth defenseman who can give them reliable minutes?
We could likely find out the answer sooner rather than later. Toronto won’t want to keep Holl scratched for long and if they play him, they won’t want to keep Liljegren out for too long either.
To Toronto Michael Stone, 2023 3rd Round Pick
To Calgary: Justin Holl