The Maple Leafs' depth in net is turning into real trade leverage, and one team stands out
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
If the Maple Leafs have one thing going for them asset wise it's their bevy of goaltending, and one team who needs one badly stands out above the rest.
While Toronto doesn't have a lot of assets to work with, one thing they surprisingly have a slew of are NHL caliber goalies. An issue for years has suddenly been a strength and although the results might be a little hit and miss at times; the team is pretty loaded.
Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby are all more than capable of patrolling the pipes for an NHL team, and while there are a few concerns about injuries it doesn't underscore how good they really are.
Good enough to get the Maple Leafs a prime asset potentially.
Philadelphia interested in Dennis Hildeby as Toronto could utilize goalie depth on the trade market.
According to Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Toronto Maple Leafs hold a great asset that could be helpful for the Philadelphia Flyers, and of the names chosen it seems like the wheel landed on Hildeby:
From a long-term perspective, I had wondered about Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby.
The 24-year-old arguably saved the Leafs' season from going belly-up while the club was dealing with the injuries to Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz at various points earlier this season but has since been returned to the AHL upon the latter's return from injury.
Hildeby is someone I know the Flyers like, according to sources. Is he available? That much is uncertain, but he may be the Leafs' best trade chip if they want to make an addition ahead of the trade deadline.
The 24-year-old arguably saved the Leafs' season from going belly-up while the club was dealing with the injuries to Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz at various points earlier this season but has since been returned to the AHL upon the latter's return from injury.
Hildeby is someone I know the Flyers like, according to sources. Is he available? That much is uncertain, but he may be the Leafs' best trade chip if they want to make an addition ahead of the trade deadline.
But who is that addition that could help Toronto from the Flyers? None other than Owen Tippett:
The Leafs also need a top-six winger. Owen Tippett's name has been loosely on the trade block this season, but my most recent conversation with sources indicated that the Flyers aren't in a rush to move him.
Theoretically, Tippett's 25-goal pedigree and cost certainty at $6.2 million for six more years would likely be appealing to the Leafs.
Theoretically, Tippett's 25-goal pedigree and cost certainty at $6.2 million for six more years would likely be appealing to the Leafs.
We previously mentioned Tippett as a potential candidate for the Maple Leafs earlier this season, and with him still not solidified in Philadelphia's plans -- he could be on the move.
It makes sense to bring in Tippett for Hildeby especially because his place as the future goalie of the team could be given to Artur Akhtyamov; a player who has continually gotten better as time goes on.
Plus, you're bringing in another Ontario-born player albeit one who has a lot more tread on the tires and can do some serious damage.
Tippett, 26, has 33 points in 51 games this season (18 goals, 15 assists) and came into this year with three consecutive 20+ goal seasons.
For his career he has 218 points in 398 games (111 goals, 107 assists) and he's got everything Toronto needs. He scores goals, plays both special teams, throws hits, doesn't take many penalties, and has an oddly impressive clutch factor with 14 career game-winners.
With Tippett in tow, here's how a potential top-six could look like:
Tippett - Matthews - Domi
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
Knies - Tavares - Nylander
It's a bit disheartening that Bobby McMann may lose his spot though there is chatter that he may also be a trade candidate if it helps bring in a defenseman so his spot may be available to fill.
Tippett's contract is a little bit of an issue given that he makes $6.2-million until 2032 however this is the last year where the Flyers have zero trade protection on him so if they want to cut ties, this is arguably the easiest year.
But with a mix of LTIR help, dumping off of some more expensive deals and some waiver assignments, the Maple Leafs can make a trade to add Tippett to the lineup.
It's not going to be easy though, as it's going to cost them their potential future #1 goalie though for what they're getting it just might be worth it.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Two roadblocks are quietly threatening the Maple Leafs’ ability to make a trade
Two roadblocks are quietly threatening the Maple Leafs’ ability to make a trade
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 29|1191 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs' depth in net is turning into real trade leverage, and one team stands out Should the Maple Leafs trade Dennis Hildeby to the Philadelphia Flyers? | ||
| Yes | 334 | 28 % |
| No | 857 | 72 % |
| List of polls | ||