It looks as if former two-time Stanley Cup winner, Yanni Gourde would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need an upgrade at centre and Yanni Gourde could be one of the best available options as we head into the New Year. The former two-time Stanley Cup winner, played a pivotol role in the Tampa Bay Lightning's dynasty and may be a perfect fit for the Leafs third-line position.
In a recent article in The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun mentioned the following that should get Leafs fans excited:
"If indeed Gourde is moved, my matchmaking crystal ball has him landing with Toronto because he fits the criteria of what the Leafs need as far as a third-line center upgrade. He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Lightning and plays the kind of game that translates come playoff time. He’s got a modified no-trade, but my understanding is he would have no issue with a move to the Leafs. And he’s the kind of player general manager Brad Treliving appreciates — not shying away from the rough-and-tumble hockey played in playoffs." (Via: The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun)
Gourde Could Be Perfect Fit on Leafs Third Line
If the Leafs split their stars up, they wouldn't technically need to add anyone right now, but since that doesn't seem viable, the organization should really look at adding Gourde prior to the NHL Trade Deadline this year, as the 33-year-old fits everything they need.
With 83 games of playoff experience, Gourde has 20 goals and 42 points and knows how to win. He's played that bottom-six role before on a Stanley Cup winner, which is the exact role he'd play if he joined the Leafs.
With two years left on his contract, his $5.16M cap-hit is managable, as it would most likely mean the end of David Kampf and/or Calle Jarnkrok, which is fine. By adding Gourde, the Leafs could push either Fraser Minten, Max Domi or Pontus Holmberg to 4C and be totally fine.
Speaking of Domi, he's best suited on the wing (or in the press box) anyways, so it puts less pressure on him to succeed as a depth option because he's having a terrible season.
Gourde is exactly the type of player you want in the playoffs and the Leafs should do everything they can to acquire him, even if it means that a draft pick or B-level prospect goes the other way. It isn't a gurantee that Gourde joins the Leafs, but now that this report is out, Treliving should look to make a splash soon before more teams get desperate around the NHL Trade Deadline.