Due to the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring of Brad Treliving, every member of the Flames who asks for a trade gets linked to the GM’s new team.
Tyler Toffoli is the latest in a long line of Calgary Flames players who have made it known that they don’t want to return to the organization, and I feel that the Toronto Maple Leafs should go after Toffoli.
The 31-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and this season, Toffoli smashed all his career highs. He scored over 30 goals for the first time since the 2015-16 season and reaching 73 points, the most of his long and successful career, which could lead to Brad Treliving making a call to his former team to get Toffoli on the Leafs.
Toffoli wanting out of Calgary is a little bit surprising considering the success he has had in his brief time there. However, it isn’t shocking. With Noah Hanifin, Mikael Backlund and Elias Lindholm all steering away from returning to Calgary following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, it shouldn’t shock anyone that the two-time Stanley Cup winner joins the list.
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumour: Tyler Toffoli Asks for Trade
Tyler Toffoli has what the Toronto Maple Leafs need. He can put up points, and has that much-needed playoff experience. He won two cups with Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014 and was apart of the 2021 Montreal Canadiens squad that beat the Leafs in the first round, and making it all the way to the Stanley Cup final.
If this season is anything to go off of, Toffoli is aging like fine wine. In his early 30’s he is breaking career records. He was one of the only bright spots on the Flames roster this year. He ranked first on Calgary in goals and points, which makes the Flames decision to trade him now make the most sense. Toffoli is going to gather lots of interest from contending teams around the NHL, perhaps even the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs need change, and a replacement on that first line if Michael Bunting is truly leaving in free agency come July 1st, and Toffoli could be it. But what about the cap hit? Yes, the cap is not the greatest thing but the Flames could retain to make this work.
What Could The Trade Look Like?
Well, the price for Toffoli would have to be massive considering he is coming off the best year of his career, so you may have to overpay in a sense.
If the Leafs were to acquire him, the Boston first-round pick is as good as gone. You would also have to trade a few prospects to Calgary. Perhaps Nick Robertson, Topi Niemelä, and more would have to be in the deal to get it done with salary retention.
Is it worth it? If Toffoli would want to sign in Toronto, it is a slam dunk of a trade, but you also have to keep in mind he will certainly want a raise with term on his next contract, so it will be interesting to see if Treliving makes a call to his former team on the availability of Toffoli.