Players The Toronto Maple Leafs Should Stay Away From At the Deadline
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to be careful.
The Toronto Maple Leafs already traded for Ilya Lyubushkin, a player originally included in this article!
This trade deadline has all of the warning signs to be very concerning. Looking at most trade boards, many of the top candidates are seemingly overrated and the reported asking prices are more inflated than our monthly grocery bills.
Former NHL GM Brian Burke always said that team’s make their biggest mistakes around the trade deadline and this year looks to be no exception. Although it’s an exciting time for fans, NHL war rooms seem desperate to find any way they can upgrade their team as the playoff races tighten.
So far this year, some of the bigger names are already off the board with both Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov being nabbed up by the Vancouver Canucks. These trades saw the surprisingly surging Canucks give up Andrei Kuzmenko, Joni Jurmo, Hunter Brzustewicz, a 2024 first round pick, a conditional 2024 fourth round pick, a conditional 2024 fifth round pick, and a 2026 third round pick. In total that is a roster player, two prospects, and up to four picks for two rentals.
There is no denying that these are impactful moves for the Canucks but it is a high price to pay nonetheless.
The other big deal involves two Canadian teams as well. The Montreal Canadiens dealt Sean Monahan to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2024 first round pick and a conditional 2027 third round pick. This is again another high price to pay for a player who’s best years seem to be behind him. These While Dallas acquired Chris Tanev, a player the Leafs were quite interested in.
So, although the Leafs shouldn’t stand pat as they do have needs for upgrades throughout their lineup, there are many players currently rumoured to be on the block that they should steer clear of.
Players the Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Avoid
Scott Laughton, C
On the surface, Laughton is an intriguing buy. He only makes $3 million for two more seasons after this, plays center, and is relied upon defensively. He sounds like the perfect third line center, no? No.
Unless you are very confident that he would work in the Leafs system, his results do not back up his perception. The Flyers get outscored and out-chanced at a high rate when he is on the ice. This has been the case for multiple seasons now and despite many on the Flyers showing improvements this year, he has not. His linemates could be partially responsible but given the longstanding history we have of his results, I would be unwilling to give him that benefit of the doubt.
Nic Dowd, C
Nic Dowd may be one of the best defensive bottom-six forwards in the NHL but his offensive production is almost nil. He would be a perfect candidate for a fourth line centre role but with rumours swirling that the asking price is a first round pick, the Leafs or any team for that matter, should be cautious about buying high on the shutdown centre.
Especially with Kampf already on the roster, adding Dowd would be redundant.
Tanner Pearson, LW
It is always a sad story when a player appears to be derailed by injuries. Unfortunately, this appears to be the case for Pearson who has seen his production dip in recent years. His injuries and most notably the way they were handled stirred a lot of controversy surrounding the Canucks organization last year.
I would be wary to bring him on at the deadline, mainly due to his $3.25 million caphit for this season. If he is willing to take a pay cut in the summer, he could be an interesting buy-low candidate for free agency.
Tyler Johnson, C/W
A few seasons ago, Johnson would have been a very intriguing deadline acquisition. He is a swiss-army knife type player, capable of playing multiple positions and in different scenarios. Much like a few names on this list, his best years are behind him and he has seen his production and play drop significantly from his prime. At 33 years old and carrying a $5 million price tag, there are definitely much better options available at the deadline.
Joel Edmundson
I might use this line for a few players in the defensive category but the perception of Edmundson is basically what Simon Benoit actually is. The difference is that Edmundson is not as effective, carries a caphit worth $2.725 million more, and would cost assets to acquire. Although the Leafs could use a player of the big-bodied stay-at-home defender archetype, Edmundson does not fit the bill. At least, not as well as other candidates. He does throw hits and is used in defensive situations, but at his price, he should be avoided.
Andrew Peeke
Much like Edmundson, Peeke is perceived to be what Benoit actually is. If anything, he is a cautionary tale for extending Benoit. His calling card is his defensive play and he has seen his defensive play decline in recent seasons. Although I do not put much weight in plus/minus, it’s notable when you are a -41 on a blueline and the closest player was a -26.
Erik Gudbranson for reference, was a -24! The Blue Jackets bleed scoring chances, shots, and goals when he is on the ice. This is a large reason why he has only featured in 20 games this season on a blueline that has suffered many injuries throughout the year. To boot, he is in the first season of a three year contract worth $2.75 million per season. It would be wise for the Leafs to steer clear of Peeke like the plague.
Erik Johnson
A former first overall pick, a Stanley cup champion, and a pure rental could be an interesting acquisition at face value. At his peak, Johnson was a big-bodied two-way defenseman who had carved out a comfortable spot playing on the Colorado Avalanche. (All Contract Information Via Capfriendly.com and All Stats Via Hockey-reference.com.)
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Now, at 35 years old, he has slowed down considerably. His production and defensive play have both seen declines in recent years and this is even with a reduced workload. He could be an interesting depth piece with a lower caphit but at $3.25 million, the Leafs should stay away.