Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors Continue to Swirl
The closer we get to the March 21st NHL trade deadline, the more rumors there are surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have an impressive record of 37-16-4 this season. However, like any competitive team, they will be looking to improve heading into the playoffs.
While a top-six forward or a top-four defender are things that would obviously make them better, In my opinion, they must consider upgrading their goaltending. Although the team is finding a way to win most nights, they can not keep allowing three or four goals against per game. Sooner or later, it will catch up to them, and it is an area that needs to improve before the playoffs.
If Dubas can not find a suitable upgrade in net, he better try to find a couple of defensive defensemen who can box out opponents. Doing this will limit the amount of second or third chances teams have with rebounds. It will also cut down on the number of goals against that are being tipped in.
Recent Toronto Maple Leafs Rumours
Marc-Andre Fleury
One player’s name that keeps popping up in trade rumors is goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. The pending UFA has a salary cap hit of $7 million, which is not easy for any team to add. However, there are still ways to make a deal happen.
According to Frank Seravalli from DailyFaceoff.com, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks could be a trade match for Fleury. He also mentions that a third team could get involved to help offset more of Fleury’s contact.
If Chicago retains 50% ($3.5 million) of Fleury’s contract, a third team might not be needed. Toronto could send Petr Mrazek ($3.8 million) to Chicago as part of the deal. The Maple Leafs would also need to include a top prospect and a high draft pick to compensate Chicago for retaining 50% of Fleury’s contract.
Joseph Duszak Wants Out
Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman mentions in his recent 32 Thoughts piece that Toronto Marlies defenseman Joseph Duszak is looking for a fresh start. Duszak has been a good offensive defenseman for the Marlies, but the 25-year-old doesn’t see a future with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Duszak has 37 points in 37 games this season. He would like to be allowed to make the NHL with another organization. Toronto could try to recoup a late-round draft pick for Duszak since they have none in rounds three through six.
Nick Robertson Possibly Being Showcased
Elliotte Friedman also said that one executive, asked if he thought Nick Robertson is getting a showcase in Toronto, replied, “There’s 20 scouts watching the Marlies every night.” This was before Robertson got called up, so maybe some NHL teams wanted to see how he plays at the NHL level before sending Toronto an offer.
Next. Leafs and Ducks Make Great Trade Partners. dark
Robertson has played well since getting called up, but he certainly isn’t the kind of prospect you’d refuse to trade if you had a chance at winning the Stanley Cup. It will