New York Rangers
To New York: Auston Matthews
To Toronto: Mika Zibanejad, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, 2024 1st Round Pick
He is not Auston Matthews, but Mika Zibanejad immediately fills that first line center role. He is four and a half years older than two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, which would be a step back, but Zibanejad is also a point per game center.
Over his last five seasons, the Swedish center has collected 371 points in 358 games and has averaged 37-goals per 82 games during that span.
His face-off winning percentage leaves you wanting more, however he still averages nearly 20-minutes a night and is very underrated with his high skill level.
Zibanejad proved he can elevate his game in the playoffs as he collected 10-goals and 24-points in 20 games during the Rangers run to the Conference Finals in 2022.
The Rangers have had a couple top selections that quite haven’t hit their stride in the NHL and one of those is former second overall pick Kaapo Kakko. The Finnish star had collected just 26-goals through his first three NHL seasons, however jumped out to 18-goals last season while playing just over 15-minutes a night.
Kakko could see an increase in offence with more opportunities on the power play, the 6’2″ winger scored all 18 of his goals at even strength last season.
Filip Chytil was able to get more a consistent role in the New York Rangers last season during his age 22 season that saw him collect 22-goals in 74 games. Another big winger, Chytil also stands at 6’2″.
Since the Toronto Maple Leafs had the “Core Four” eating a big chunk of the salary, this trade would be be exactly what the critics of that philosophy would want. The Leafs trade one of their superstars and get a full line back in return. While Matthews makes $11.34 Million this season and likely going up to $13.5-$14M next season, these three players in return make a combined $15 Million.