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Are the Toronto Maple Leafs Trading Muzzin, Kerfoot or Holl?

By James Tanner

Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs had a very quiet summer.

For the second straight year, the Toronto Maple Leafs changed goalies, and tinkered with the bottom of their roster.

The Leafs played good enough to beat Tampa and they finished fourth overall, so there clearly isn’t much work to do on this roster.

But they are technically over the salary cap and have been expected to make a trade ever since they signed Calle Jarnkrork two months ago.

With Rasmus Sandin still to sign, the Leafs clearly need to move salary out, and as the rookies report to training camp for the Prospect Tournament this week, it remains the biggest story surrounding the team.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Muzzin, Kerfoot or Holl?

Clearly the three Leafs most likely to be moved in order to get cap compliant are Jake Muzzin, Justin Holl and Alex Kerfoot.

Jake Muzzin makes the most money and had the worst season. He is the oldest and the most injury prone. He has a full no-movement clause that the Leafs may be hesitant to force his hand on.

Sandin plays the same position as Muzzin and is likely the better player, making this the obvious move, no trade clause not withstanding.

Alex Kerfoot makes $3.5 and is versatile and extremely underrated, having scored at a first line rate last season.  On the  other hand, he plays the same position as Nick Robertson  and doesn’t have much upside.

Justin Holl is the least likely of the three to go because it would be difficult to sign Sandin and get below the cap by moving Holl only. Also, he is right handed and physical, and is a successful top four defenseman on a top team.

Sandin or Muzzin or Giordano could play on the right, but it’s not ideal.

The ideal pairings are:

Rielly-Brodie

Sandin-Liljegren

Giordano – Holl

Which means the best move is to trade Jake Muzzin.  Tampa recently had Ryan McDonagh waive his no-movement clause for the good of the team, and the Leafs need to have a similar talk with Muzzin.

Ideally, the Leafs would move both Muzzin and Kerfoot to make room for Robertson and Sandin in major roles. One of their main problems recently has been the lack of impact players on entry-level  contracts, and so getting in both young players accomplishes that as well.

Next. Goalies and Defenseman Grades. dark

Jake Muzzin has been a good player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but like Jack Campbell before him, it’s time to move on for the good of the team.  But if not Muzzin, then clearly either Kerfoot or Holl will be traded shortly? At least that’s how it seems today.

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