3 Big-Name Players Toronto Maple Leafs Shouldn't Trade For

3 Big-Name Players Toronto Maple Leafs Shouldn’t Trade For

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 10: Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers speaks to linesman Andrew Smith #51 during the first period between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Wells Fargo Center on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 04: Mark Giordano #5 of the Seattle Kraken skates against the Buffalo Sabres on November 04, 2021 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Mark Giordano

Trading for a former Norris Trophy winner, who was born in Toronto seems like a no-brainer. However, at his age and price-tag, the Leafs don’t make a lot of sense.

If the NHL had a luxury-tax salary-cap system (it drives me nuts that they don’t), adding Giordano and going over the tax would be a fine decision. However, you can’t justify trading for a 38-year-old defenseman who makes $6.75M.

“Gio” would bolster the blue-line and be an unbelievable third-paring defenseman for this team, but the money doesn’t work. He’d bring a veteran presence but would also be important on the second-unit power-play.

As I mentioned, in a perfect world, Giordano would be loved in Toronto, but his price is way too much money to give up any assets for him.

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