Insider Reveals Maple Leafs Are Officially Entertaining Trade Offers for Two Key Forwards

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Chris Gerics
October 30, 2024 (10:56)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are taking calls on Nick Robertson & Calle Jarnkok to gauge teams' interest in a trade for either man according to NHL Insider Dave Pagnotta.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a huge win against the Winnipeg Jets, and while it was a very small sample size, if their new second line stays hot it can be a game-changer for the team. They also have a bunch of roster members coming back from injury like Jani Hakanpaa, Connor Dewar, and Calle Jarnkrok all looking for a place on the team and are also going to make a big impact upon their return.

The team needs to make a move eventually, and there have been several teams already scouting the Maple Leafs in anticipation of a trade. According to Maple Leafs and NHL Insider Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Toronto is currently fielding calls for both Jarnkrok and forward Nick Robertson; who has gone completely invisible since the season began.

"One team I always wondered about was Los Angeles. The Kings have been looking for a 4C and somebody that can kind of stabilize the middle of their bottom six. That could be something later on that they kind of circle in on."

Jarnkrok fits like a glove for the Kings in needing a stabilizing fourth-line center. A faceoff demon, penalty killer, and grittier than sand, Jarnkrok would give Los Angeles the stability they need, while also opening up cap space for Toronto. They may be a bit weary to acquire him due to his injury history, though for the Kings; who are in a very good position to start the year, it may be worth the risk.

Robertson is a different beast. There's still so much unknown about Robertson's potential and his holdout this summer didn't give him a good reputation as a team player. Eventually signing, he lit up the lamp in the preseason but has gone ice-cold ever since with one goal in nine games and being a healthy scratch for Toronto's most recent game. Pagnotta suggests Robertson is definitely in play, and would be easier to offload given teams are more than likely willing to pay a premium to acquire him.

"Nick Robertson is still somebody that you know would be in play if Toronto decides to move anybody as well," said Pagnotta.

Teams should be chomping at the bit for Robertson if Toronto puts the forward in play, and GM Brad Treliving should try and get as many assets as possible from interested teams. If Toronto can squeeze a few assets such as picks, and/or a potential prospect then they should do whatever is necessary to get rid of Robertson while the iron's still fairly warm.

Whatever move Toronto makes needs to be a calculated one, as Brad Treliving and company can't afford to swing and miss on a trade and give other teams the upper hand while handicapping themselves for the future.