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) 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9081d9a367e0b69ea4219391ba76efe8b67a47a3c9a7be549ad34103fed245e7.jpg)
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.