5 Great Options for One Big Summer Trade for the Toronto Maple Leafs
By James Tanner
Adrian Kempe
Age: 27
Position: RW/LW
Status: Elite winger in his prime coming off a pretty big dip in production after he went from 41 goals to just 28 last year, though he did hit a career high in points. Makes $5.5 cap-hit for two more seasons.
Why He'd Help: Gives the Leafs a gritty, big, tough winger who can score and defend. He's like Nylander, if Nylander was mean and dirty.
The Leafs have had nothing but problems with their depth scoring. Kempe fixes that. He can play anywhere in the lineup, and could even centre a third line.
He also adds a power-forward*ish* dimension the team lost when Bertuzzi left. A Bertuzzi/Knies combo on the ice for half the game was something I was really looking forward to if Knies has his expected breakout season. Kempfe would be a good subsitite for the same thing, and even though he's not the pure-power forward that Bertuzzi is, he's a better overall player.
Why He Wouldn't: The only reason he wouldn't help is if LA refused to trade him. He's likely not available, and this is just a fantasy.
Recommended Trade: Easton Cowan for Adrian Kempe.
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You gotta give to get, and again, this trade depends on if the Leafs think Cowan is going to be a difference maker this season. If he isn't going to be, then trading him is the best move.