According to an insider, the Leafs may be plotting a major offseason move that no one sees coming
What can be said about the Toronto Maple Leafs' sad playoff exit that hasn't been said already? There hasn't been a full week since the horrible finish to the entire collapse after holding a 3-1 series lead against the Montreal Canadiens, and there isn't much to get excited about for Leafs Nation, except from some potential offseason changes.
While trade rumours about Mitch Marner have been circulating on social media, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has already stated during the team's season-ending media availability that he expects the core four to return next season, leaving us to speculate on who else might be on the move to help guide this team to a better place.
Sportsnet's Chris Johnston was a guest on the most recent Steve Dangle Podcast, where he discussed all things Leafs with host Steve Dangle and his co-hosts Jesse Blake and Adam Wylde, but one thing in particular that was really interesting was the prediction that CJ left the guys with prior to the end of the 75-minute episode.
"There's going to be at least one player - here's a prediction to leave you with," Johnston commented to close out the episode. "There's going to be at least one player on this roster on opening night that is going to get everyone excited about. I'm talking a big-name or big-promise player and no one's going to see it coming. I think that they're going to make a big move of some sort. It's not just going to be the same group next season."
Johnston went on to say that he does have someone in mind, but simply could not reveal the name of the player at that point in time. He did however provide some clues as to who that player might be. Straight from Johnston, the player did not play in the playoffs this year, plays on a U.S. team and has multiple seasons remaining on his contract.
Of the many players who fit that description, there is some talk on Twitter that a player like Travis Konecny, Oliver Bjorkstrand or potentially even a player like Evander Kane could be potential options for the Leafs. Of course, since CJ didn't really provide much to go on, all of these suggestions are purely speculative.
One thing we do know is that the player plays for one of Anaheim, Arizona, Buffalo, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia or San Jose.
Do with this information what you will. It's certainly an intriguing thought to ponder.
| POLL | ||
Will the Maple Leafs make big moves this summer? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 51.7 % |
| No | 73 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
