Just about everyone and their grandmother has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs not hiding the fact that they’re looking to add a centre, just about every potentially available centre has been named as a potential trade target for them.
Earlier this year, I wrote about Nazem Kadri and the rumours that just wouldn’t go away. Well, they did go away when the Calgary Flames suddenly found themselves fighting for a playoff spot.
Another team in a similar situation is the New York Islanders. The Isles were rumoured to be shopping Brock Nelson. But with the Islanders suddenly coming back to life, Nelson seems to be off the market.
So, that brings us to another centre reportedly of interest in Toronto: Brayden Schenn. The rumour caught on as Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of the St. Louis Blues moving Schenn this season.
However, Friedman did make a caveat regarding this potential deal. The Blues are not motivated to trade Schenn, especially after naming him captain. And, even if the Blues were tempted to trade Schenn, the asking price would be astronomical.
Under those circumstances, we can conclude that the Brayden Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs talk has no legs. There is no feasible way that the Leafs would want to pony up the asking price for Schenn. While it is certainly an intriguing possibility to add Schenn, this deal is likely dead in the water.
This Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumour Has No Legs
Friedman stated that the asking price for Schenn would be “very, very high.” That vague description opens the debate on what “very, very high” means.
In my estimation, that high price could involve a roster player, a high-end prospect, and a first-round pick. Such a high price is essential as the Blues would need pieces the team can build around once Schenn is out the door.
Such a steep price wouldn’t make sense as Schenn is old, expensive and no longer worth his contract. The Leafs could get a way better player if they were willing to pay such a price.
Schenn is 33 and has a $6.5 million contract for another two years after this one, so his value is likely way higher to St. Louis than to any other team. I can't see the Leafs wanting to take on this contract even if the price for Scheen was much lower than suspected.
Schenn would give the Leafs an improved third line, but he's not an impact player anymore and for the price of his contract, he should be. Scheen doesn't really seem to be a fit with the Maple Leafs, but they have made bad moves before, so it's always a possibility.
Certainly the Leafs are thin at centre, and their coach has a long history with this player, so the fit makes sense, until you consider Schenn's age and contract. Trading for him would be a major mistake for the Leafs.