3 Goalies Toronto Maple Leafs Should Consider Trading For
If you're banking on the Toronto Maple Leafs, goaltending to carry them to a Stanley Cup this season, you might want to reconsider.
Sure, crazy things happen in hockey, and you don't necessarily need a superstar goalie to lift the Cup anymore. But let's face it, having a top-tier netminder doesn't hurt.
We've seen it time and again, from Andrei Vasilevskiy's back-to-back Cups to underdogs like Aidin Hill and Jordan Binnington making history.
Now, I'm not saying Ilya Samsonov or Joseph Woll couldn't surprise us all, but let's not bet the farm on it. I'd rather put my faith in someone with a proven track record than cross my fingers and hope for a hot streak.
Especially in a season when John Tavares and Morgan Rielly are at the tail end of their primes, and Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander are at their absolute peaks.
Even if by some miracle one of these guys catches fire, it's no guarantee of victory. Just ask any Leafs fan who's watched great goalies get outplayed in the playoffs. It's a cruel reality that in a seven-game series, anything can happen.
If I were Brad Treliving, I'd be pulling out all the stops to upgrade our goaltending this year.
Sure, it's tough to swing a midseason trade for a goalie, but it's not impossible. So, who could be the answer to our goaltending prayers?
No. 1: Tristan Jarry
The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs present contrasting approaches when it comes to drafting and developing goaltenders.
While opinions may vary on Matt Murray's current performance, his pivotal role in securing two Stanley Cup victories remains undeniable.
Similarly, Marc-Andre Fleury, a former first overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, boasts a remarkable career and is destined for the Hall of Fame.
Although Tristan Jarry may not yet reach the heights of Murray or Fleury, he stands as a formidable starting goalie, especially considering his selection at a modest No. 44 overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
In stark contrast, the Leafs' track record in nurturing goaltending talent over the past three decades is underwhelming, with Joseph Woll being the sole example, albeit with limited NHL experience and uncertain prospects.
Jarry's career statistics, including a 2.64 goals-against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage (SV%), underscore his capability between the pipes. Recently committing to a five-year contract, he represents a valuable asset for the Penguins. However, rumors suggest Pittsburgh may explore trading a goalie amidst concerns about the aging core of their roster and potential shifts in team strategy under the leadership of Kyle Dubas.
While Jarry possesses limited playoff experience, he remains a superior option compared to alternatives like Woll and Samsonov. The Penguins might entertain the idea of moving Alex Nedeljkovic instead, considering factors such as contract length and financial considerations. At 28 years old and with four years remaining on his contract, Jarry is entering his prime, making him an attractive target for teams seeking goaltending stability.
Considering Toronto's goaltending woes and Jarry's consistent performance, a potential move to the Leafs could offer benefits not just for the current season but for the long term. With the right fit and support, Jarry could play a pivotal role in addressing Toronto's goaltending needs and bolstering their aspirations for success in the years ahead
No. 2: Jacob Markstrom
Markstrom has been a topic of discussion on numerous occasions, and rightfully so. Even though he is 34 years old, his performance warrants attention, particularly in the context of a potential move to Toronto.
Despite facing challenges last season, Markstrom has rebounded impressively this year, showcasing his talent even amidst the struggles of a Calgary team that has been somewhat overachieving.
It's evident that Markstrom deserves to be part of a competitive team. Despite his lengthy tenure in the NHL since 2010, he has only participated in two playoff runs.
However, his limited playoff experience doesn't diminish his ability to shine in crucial moments. It's unfair to blame him for his teams' shortcomings in the playoffs. In 2020, for instance, a slight twist of fate could have propelled Vancouver on an unexpected postseason journey, but they narrowly missed out to the Dallas Stars.
Given Markstrom's caliber, it's surprising that he hasn't been traded yet. However, the delay presents an opportunity for Brad Treliving to reach out to his former team and negotiate a deal. For the Leafs, securing a goaltender of Markstrom's caliber is crucial for their championship aspirations. While other options exist, such as Juuse Sarros, the likelihood of acquiring him from Nashville seems slim.
With the trade deadline looming, there's a strong possibility that Markstrom could be on the move, given the persistent rumors surrounding his availability. Although trading with a former colleague might raise eyebrows, the Leafs possess valuable assets, including a first-round pick and promising prospects, making them an appealing trade partner.
Treliving should seize the opportunity to bolster the Leafs' goaltending depth and make a move that could propel them closer to championship contention.
No. 3: Alex Nedeljkovic
Proposing that Kyle Dubas might consider making a trade with the Leafs might seem far-fetched, and suggesting two Pittsburgh Penguins goalies for consideration may sound even more outlandish. However, it's worth exploring this possibility.
Despite any apparent discord between Dubas and the Leafs front office, the team still boasts valuable trade assets, and ultimately, Dubas will prioritize what's best for the organization.
Critics may question Nedeljkovic's limited playoff experience, but it's worth noting his past success, notably leading the Charlotte Checkers to a Calder Cup victory in 2019. While this achievement occurred in the American Hockey League, the pressure of big games undoubtedly builds character.
Although Nedeljkovic only has 123 NHL games under his belt, his Calder Cup pedigree stands out, particularly when compared to other goaltenders like Ilya Samsonov or Joseph Woll.
In the right environment, Nedeljkovic has the potential to thrive as a starting NHL goalie. His previous stint with the struggling Detroit Red Wings may not fully reflect his capabilities. Given the opportunity on a more competitive team, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nedeljkovic's statistics could see significant improvement. At a modest $1.5 million salary, acquiring Nedeljkovic presents an attractive option, offering a better alternative to Martin Jones.
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While it's unlikely that such a trade will materialize under Dubas' management, it wouldn't be surprising if the Leafs expressed interest in Nedeljkovic's services come the offseason, especially if he chooses to explore free agency.