The Toronto Maple Leafs were in the thick of trade rumours in 2024. Some of these rurmours were completely off the wall, making for interesting reading and certainly entertaining conversation.
So, let’s dive into the three most outrageous Toronto Maple Leafs rumours of 2024, focusing on the most outrageous ones.
Of course, there’s always a chance Leafs GM Brad Treliving loses his mind and pulls the trigger on one or more of these trades. Then again, he hasn't made an actual player-for-player hockey trae since he turned the Florida Panthers into a perennial powerhouse while still the GM of the Flames.
Hopefully, reasonable minds prevail, avoiding some of the most ridiculous deals.
3 most outrageous Toronto Maple Leafs rumours of 2024
Jacob Trouba to bolster the blue line
It was no secret the New York Rangers were desperate to rid themselves of their former captain. The Rangers tried everything they could go coax Trouba into waiving his no-trade clause. The Rangers went as far as threatening Trouba with placing him on waivers.
Well, Trouba had enough of the New York hype and agreed to a deal to the Anaheim Ducks. In the meantime, virtually all the big players in the league were rumoured to be in on Trouba. The Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks were all said to be interested.
I could see the Oilers and Canucks wanting to bring in Trouba, but the Leafs? That was a hair-brained move to say the least. Sure, the Leafs could have used another high-end blue liner, but Trouba is a low-end player with a high-end contract.
Trouba, unfortunately, is well past his prime. Even though he’s 30, he’s old for 30. His body has taken quite the pounding and he’s lost more than just a step. Last year’s playoffs were evidence of how slow he’s become. The Florida Panthers made Trouba look sick during the Conference Finals, skating circles around him.
Then, there was his $8 million cap hit. How could the Leafs afford that cap hit? Would it make sense to clear so much cap space for Trouba? Not by a mile. While there is certainly a chance Trouba gets dealt again at the deadline, the Leafs had better stay away.