Trading Nylander, Kerfoot Will Not Improve the Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking to retool their roster, but trading William Nylander and/or Alex Kerfoot will not make them better.
William Nylander’s contract is amazing for what he offers, and Alex Kerfoot is the exact same way: 50 points for 3.5 million per season. Will the Toronto Maple Leafs really improve if they move such a player?
After Ilya MIkeyhev was allowed to walk (pricing himself out of the Maple Leafs budget), the Leafs really need to look at the guys already on the payroll who can step it up for them in the goal scoring department. What happens if you move Kerfoot? You lose a cheap top-six winger who has the capabilities of scoring 20+ goals in the top-six.
While I am aware that the Toronto Maple Leafs need cap space to sign Rasmus Sandin, or, sign that big, physical, right-handed shot defenseman Kyle Dubas is looking for, I don’t think that is enough motive for them to move Kerfoot.
On top of this, a trade of Kerfoot would be under the intent to sign or trade for another winger to accompany Nylander and John Tavares on the second line.
Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Make a Trade
The Leafs are currently 1.493 million OVER the cap (via CapFriendly) and moving Kerfoot would open up $3.5, but Kerfoot’s speed, defense, and versatility make him a bargain at that price.
The same goes for Nylander. He is one of the best players in the NHL and his contract is a bargain. There is no way that you can trade him and win the trade.
Ultimately, the Leafs are not considering trading William Nylander. Kerfoot may end up going out of necessity, but it’s likely going to make them a worse team when that happens, unless one of their young players breaks out, but that is not something you can count on.
The Leafs do still need pieces of their roster improved, and they may need to clear cap space. If that is their intention, they should look to getting Jake Muzzin or possibly even TJ Brodie to waive their no trade clauses. With Sandin and Liljegren, the Leafs at least have players who can step in and replace them, whereas they do not have that option with the forwards.
Next. Three Players Who Could be Getting Traded This Week. dark
Trading Nylander or Kerfoot is going to hurt a lot worse than moving two declining defensemen, so if the Leafs have to make further changes, that is where they should look.