The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Nikita Zadorov since last season’s NHL trade deadline. He’s big, mean, and likes to hit. It’s easy to see why fans would be interested in the Leafs acquiring him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need help on defense, and Zadorov would give them an element they currently lack. However, some fan-made trade proposals have been insane. Yes, Zadorov is coveted by the Leafs and other teams, but some are overvaluing him.
He is a strong defensive player with limited offensive upside (he did score 14 goals last year, but that was likely an anomaly) who takes a lot of players. He will improve the Leafs, but he’s not a star player so he will only improve them a little, not a lot.
Zadorov was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Calgary Flames on July 28th, 2021, for a third-round pick. The only way the Flames should get more than that in a trade for him now is if they retain a portion of his salary. Some think the Flames are seeking a young player who can play in the NHL now or is very close to being able to.
Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet has claimed the Leafs are interested in acquiring Zadorov or Chris Tanev. Between Friedman highlighting the Leafs interest and the rumor that Zadorov has requested a trade, it would seem that a deal could happen soon. However, any deal will be made easier if John Klingberg is placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), as many expect he will be.
With an idea of what the Flames are looking for, here is a look at a few players the Leafs could use in a trade to land Zadorov. The Leafs would likely include a pick in deal.
Toronto Maple Leafs Possible Trade Chips
Nick Abruzzese
Nick Abruzzese is a 24-year-old forward from Slate Hill, New York, USA. He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL draft with the 124th overall pick.
Abruzzese has two seasons left on his current contract with a $775,000 salary cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent (RFA). (Salary cap info from capfreindly.com)
This season, Abruzzese has three goals and nine assists for 12 points in 14 AHL games. He is on pace for 15 goals and 46 assists for 61 points in 72 games. Last season, Abruzzese registered 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points in 69 games. Some might see him as NHL-ready, but I think he needs to stay in the AHL this season. He could be a possible NHL player next season.
(Stats from eliteprospects.com)
Alex Steeves
Alex Steeves is a 23-year-old forward from Bedford, New Hampshire, USA. The Leafs signed Steeves as an NCAA free agent on March 28th, 2021. This is the final year of his current contract, with a $834,167 salary cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent (RFA).
This season, Steeves has 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in 14 AHL games. He is on pace for 57 goals and 36 assists for 93 points in 72 games. Last season, Steeves registered 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points in 65 games. There is a good chance Steeves will see some NHL action this season, either with the Leafs or another team.
Pontus Holmberg
Pontus Holmberg is a 24-year-old forward from Vasteras, Sweden. He was drafted by the Leafs in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL draft with the 156th overall pick. Holmberg has two seasons left on his current contract with a $800,000 salary cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent (RFA).
So far this season, Holmberg has two goals and two assists for four points in four AHL games and zero points in seven NHL games. He is on pace for 31 goals and 31 assists for 62 points in 62 AHL games.
Last season, he registered ten goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 38 AHL games while recording five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 37 NHL games. Holmberg is NHL-ready, but he needs the right fit.