MAJOR: Insider Drops a Bombshell Regarding the Maple Leafs First Round Pick

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Graham Montgomery
February 20, 2024 (7:00 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly made an offer on Flames defenseman Chris Tanev but the Flames are hoping to get a 1st round pick in return. That price may be too high for the Leafs to stomach, but they are willing to move the pick for the right return.

Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly Interested In Multiple Sharks Players

NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed today that the Toronto Maple Leafs have expressed interest in Sharks forward Luke Kunin and defenseman Mario Ferraro. The Sharks have been among the worst teams in the NHL this season and general manager Mike Grier has already indicated that he's willing to move on from almost anyone on the current roster.

As I mentioned on @NHLNetwork this hour, the #SJSharks are wide open for business. Minus a couple young studs, SJ has told people they are listening on everyone including the likes of D Mario Ferraro & captain Logan Couture.

Kunin has been a bit disappointing for Sharks fans this year with just 8 goals and 10 points in 50 games. That being said, just about everyone on the Sharks has underperformed in one way or another. As such it is hard to put the blame on any one player. Ferraro on the other hand, is a rather interesting case.

Pagnotta: Leafs Willing To Trade First Round Pick For Ferraro

The 25-year-old defenseman is set to hit a career high in points this year as he is already up to 14 through 51 games. While he isn't exactly known for his offense, his previous career high in points is 17, so he has plenty of time to eclipse that number. While his defensive analytics have not been that great, he's been playing big minutes on a terrible team. Perhaps most importantly, he is still just 25 years of age and has two years left on his contract after this one. This is the exact type of player the Leafs are willing to move a first round pick for, according to Pagnotta.

The Leafs are interested in Mario Ferraro and Luke Kunin, and are open to trading a first-round pick for a long-term asset.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in Ferraro and Kunin and are more likely to move a first-round pick for an asset with term. Including a first-rounder in a package could be of interest to both clubs.

Ferraro would be a big add to the Leafs blueline that has been decimated by injuries this year. For the sharks, getting another 1st round pick would help the team accelerate their rebuild. As such, this trade could easily make sense for both teams. Be sure to stay tuned to see if the Leafs pull the trigger come the March 8th trade deadline.