Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Potential Christmas Miracle Trades

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 8: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs extends his team point scoring streak to 21 games with a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 8, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

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Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the St. Louis Blues (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Vladimir Tarasenko

The Trade:

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: Vladimir Tarasenko
St. Louis Blues acquire: 2023 First-Round Pick, Pavel Gogolev and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev

At $7.5M, Tarasenko is much more affordable for the Leafs and could provide some incredible firepower at the top of the line-up.

The five-time 30-plus goal-scorer has been consistent every year he’s played and bounced back after a serious injury, scoring 34 goals and 82 points in the 2021-22 season.

Although it’s still possible, it feels less likely that Tarasenko will re-sign with St. Louis next year, based on their salary cap.

They’ve already spent a lot of money on a few younger players, so it feels like they may be cap-strapped.

If the playoffs started right now, the Blues wouldn’t be in a playoff berth, so if that continues, the team may be much more willing to trade their best asset at the NHL Trade Deadline.

Every contender in the NHL would be lining up for Tarasenko, as his 41 goals in 90 career playoff games is incredible valuable.

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