The Toronto Maple Leafs Most Likely Trade Candidates
With most of the offseason roster shuffling completed, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the rest of the NHL now have their sights set on the beginning of training camp next month.
The main offseason story surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs was dismantling the core, specifically moving on from Mitch Marner and, to a lesser extent, John Tavares, despite their no-movement clauses.
Instead, the team's management appears ready to bring back mostly the same team. Still, other jobs will be up for grabs.
Coming off of strong seasons with their respective junior teams, Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten are the most notable draft picks who will be looking to earn a spot on the roster.
Returning, veteran players will be hoping to stave off the youngsters challenging their place in the lineup.
With a new head coach in Craig Berube and significant changes to the defense, position battles and setting the lineup will take precedence during the preseason. If new faces earn a place on the team, which players could be traded elsewhere?
The Toronto Maple Leafs Most Likely Trade Candidates
Restricted free agent Nick Robertson has already stated his request for a change in scenery. The offensive winger looks at the Maple Leafs depth at forward and sees nothing but roadblocks to his development.
Aside from moving a star player, Robertson is the Leafs most valuable trade piece. His offensive upside, shooting ability, and speed are enticing.
His stated desire to leave makes him the most obvious trade candidate, but Treliving and the Maple Leafs should do their best to smooth things over and convince Robertson of a fresh start with Berube.
The situation could turn into a standoff. Is Robertson willing to sit out long term, if necessary? Will Treliving and the Leafs get tired of waiting and continually answering questions about Robertson's status?
The longer Robertson sits out, the more leverage the Maple Leafs lose in a trade return. It has the potential to be messy, meaning Robertson is the team's number one trade candidate.
Leafs Other Trade Candidates
Fourth-line center David Kampf earns $2.4 million for killing penalties, taking face-offs, and contributing little offensively. That is too much.
He is an expensive insurance policy. If the Leafs can find a decent third-line centre so that they can use Pontus Holmberg in Kampf's spot, the Maple Leafs would be wise to move on.
Timothy Liljegren signed a two-year extension with the Leafs, but it's a very moveable contract. As he enters his fourth full year of regular duty on the team's blue line it feels like it is now or never to cement his status as a top-four defender.
The addition of fellow Swede, and potential defensive partner, Oliver Ekman-Larsson plus a new beginning under Berube point to this being the last chance for Liljegren. If he is unable to find consistency and reliability in his play throughout the first half of the season, the Leafs should move him straight up for another defender or a forward who can help the bottom six.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs may have decided to keep their big-name players to start another season, but there are still intriguing moves that could be made.