Three Team Trade to Fix Maple Leafs Defense Once and For All
A three-team trade proposal has emerged seemingly solving the Leafs' blue line problems.
Three Team Trade Fixes Maple Leafs Defense
It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs need more come playoff season. Hence, a three-team trade has emerged that gives Toronto the perfect defense for the playoffs with a mix of elite offense and shutdown defense.
Toronto's Perspective
William Nylander
T.J. Brodie
Nick Robertson
Topi Neimela
2024 1st-round pick
Toronto gets:
Erik Karlsson ($2.5m retained by SJS, $1m retained by CAL)
Nikita Zadorov
The Maple Leafs would be giving up the largest chunk of change but would also be getting the best asset of the trade, Erik Karlsson. They would also be getting him at a reduced rate of only $8 million per year which is quite manageable.
On top of this, they would also get Nikita Zadorov who is a very solid defensive defenseman in his own regard and one that Brad Treliving has a great relationship with.
To get these two pieces they would have to part with Nylander and TJ Brodie but Nylander's contract talks have apparently stalled and Brodie is a bit older than Zadorov who would be his replacement. Zadorov is also a left-handed defenseman which is a major need for the Leafs at the moment.
On top of this, the Leafs will be giving up some top picks and prospects in Robertson, Neimela, and a first but it is plenty worth it for Erik Karlsson.
Calgary's Perspective
Nikita Zadorov
$1m of Erik Karlsson Contract
Matt Coronato
Calgary gets:
William Nylander
Calgary's side of the deal is not nearly as messy as Toronto's with them only acquiring one player.
In return for William Nylander, who is coming off of an 87-point campaign, is pretty reasonable with the Flames sending away 2021 13th overall pick Matt Coronato, Zadorov, and retaining $1 million on Erik Karlsson's contract for the next 4 years.
Nylander is well worth this price tag and would be far more likely to resign in Calgary as they would be willing to give him what he asks for in terms of a contract.
San Jose's Perspective
Erik Karlsson ($2.5m retained)
San Jose gets:
T.J. Brodie
Nick Robertson
Topi Neimela
Matt Coronato
2024 1st round pick (TOR)
For San Jose, this is essentially just trading away Erik Karlsson and getting as many assets as possible in return.
They receive TJ Brodie as an immediate replacement for Karlsson who they can use in a future trade with a contender which gives them younger assets in exchange for Brodie.
They also receive three top prospects in Coronato, Robertson, and Neimela who could all make their NHL roster next season and potentially develop into top players in their own regard. While it is unlikely all three develop into top players, it is a solid bet at least one or two of them will do so.
Finally, they would receive Toronto's 2024 1st round pick which they can use to select whoever they please in the later stages of the first round.
| POLL | ||
Who says no? | ||
| Toronto | 1343 | 45.5 % |
| Calgary | 383 | 13 % |
| San Jose | 368 | 12.5 % |
| Fair Trade | 855 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
