Maple Leafs Rumors

Trade Deadline Primer: Toronto Maple Leafs

February 8, 2023 at 12:58 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee 17 Comments

With the All-Star break now behind us, the trade deadline looms large and is less than a month away. Where does each team stand, and what moves should they be looking to make? We continue our look around the league with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It has been nearly 20 years since the Maple Leafs won a playoff round. Despite six-straight appearances in the Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner era, the team hasn’t been able to find any success in the postseason. With another first-round date with the Tampa Bay Lightning all but sealed, every effort from the management staff needs to help get them over the hump.

Remember, Matthews and William Nylander are scheduled for unrestricted free agency after next season, with Marner and John Tavares only under contract through 2024-25. General manager Kyle Dubas is once again looking at making a significant trade deadline move to try and support this core before it is too late.

Record

31-13-8, 2nd in the Atlantic

Deadline Status

Buyer

Deadline Cap Space

$1.13MM in LTIR relief, 0/3 retention slots used, 49/50 contracts used, per CapFriendly.

Upcoming Draft Picks

2023: TOR 1st, TOR 3rd, OTT 3rd, TOR 5th, TOR 6th
2024: TOR 1st, TOR 2nd, TOR 4th, TOR 5th, TOR 6th, TOR 7th, OTT 7th

Trade Chips

At last year’s deadline, the Maple Leafs were able to hold onto their first-round pick, moving three seconds and a third for Mark Giordano, Colin Blackwell, and Ilya Lyubushkin. This year, that top selection probably has to be on the table in any negotiations that include an impact player. The 2024 first-round pick is also probably in play, though beyond that, there isn’t a ton of draft capital they can move.

So it comes to the prospect pool for Toronto, which is also relatively shallow. Matthew Knies was seemingly untouchable last summer, but perhaps the Maple Leafs would consider moving him this time around in the right deal. Nick Robertson would have been a piece, but given his latest serious injury, he’s likely off the table. Topi Niemela and Roni Hirvonen are mid-level prospects at best that likely can’t bring back a serious difference-maker by themselves.

The focus could turn to some roster players, though that avenue also doesn’t hold much value for rebuilding clubs. Alexander Kerfoot could be included in a deal to clear some cap space, but he shouldn’t really be considered a trade chip. The young defensemen – Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren in particular – are likely too valuable to Toronto’s future to make them available.

Among teams looking to add at the deadline, Toronto probably has one of the worst asset pools to pull from. That means Dubas and company will have to look for creative ways to improve the roster instead of getting into a bidding war on the top names. It’s hard to imagine them winning a player like Timo Meier, for instance, when they have to compete with deep, young prospect pools like the ones in New Jersey or Buffalo.

That’s not to say they won’t try. Toronto has added every year to try and fill gaps on the roster, and this year should be no different.

Other potential trade chips: F Fraser Minten, F Nick Moldenhauer, F Pierre Engvall, F Pontus Holmberg

Team Needs

1) Top-six winger: There is a glaring hole in the Maple Leafs lineup, and it’s been there for a number of years now. The second-line left wing spot has been filled by a number of different players – Kerfoot, Ilya Mikheyev, Alex Galchenyuk, Calle Jarnkrok – but none of them have been a perfect fit. It’s why a player like Meier continues to get linked to Toronto and why every other winger likely will be speculated on in the coming weeks.

2) Third-line center: For a team that is usually considered “loaded” offensively, it might seem weird to see two forwards listed here. The truth is, though, that Toronto is a relatively strong defensive team, with eight capable NHL defensemen on the roster already. Could they improve the back end? Sure. But a true third-line center that can drive some offense would be more valuable.

David Kampf, currently in that role, set a career-high last season with 26 points and has just 32 goals in his 369-game NHL career. One of the problems the Maple Leafs have faced in recent years is that if the Matthews and Tavares lines get shut down, the team has no chance of scoring. Getting someone who can elevate his linemates and drive play on the third line would move them a lot closer than a marginal upgrade on defense.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Toronto Maple Leafs Recall Joseph Woll

February 7, 2023 at 7:59 pm CDT | by Josh Erickson 2 Comments

The Toronto Maple Leafs have once again added goalie Joseph Woll on an emergency recall, per CapFriendly.

Toronto recalled Woll last week after Matt Murray sustained a minor ankle injury. He was expected to be evaluated after All-Star weekend, and the fact that Toronto elected to bring Woll back up likely isn’t a good sign.

Woll was sent down to the minors on February 2 to participate in the AHL All-Star Classic. After starting the season on injured reserve, Woll has a sparkling 13-1-0 record and a .930 save percentage in 14 games with the Toronto Marlies.

Murray’s last appearance was on January 17th, and Samsonov has started every game since. While the break has allowed Samsonov to get some much-needed rest, Woll’s strong AHL performance could lead to him getting an NHL start soon. He did well in four appearances last season, posting a 3-1-0 record, a shutout, and a .911 save percentage.

Defense Reportedly Toronto's "Main Focus" At Trade Deadline

February 7, 2023 at 5:43 pm CDT | by Josh Erickson 1 Comment

The Toronto Maple Leafs have returned a more well-balanced team than in recent seasons, with goals scored and goals against both down. Improved team defense and capable goaltending from Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray have spearheaded that trend, and with impressive performances from younger players such as Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren, and Conor Timmins, some have questioned Toronto’s need to add a defenseman at the trade deadline.

Toronto Maple Leafs To Host 2024 All-Star Game

February 4, 2023 at 7:37 pm CDT | by Josh Erickson 2 Comments

With the on-ice festivities today in South Florida also came some important NHL business notes, courtesy of commissioner Gary Bettman at his pre-game press conference. As part of his media availability today, Bettman confirmed the rumor that Toronto will play host to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.

It’s the first time Toronto has hosted the event since 2000 and the first time a Canadian market has hosted the event in 12 years. Ottawa was the last, hosting the 2012 All-Star Game. It also marks the return to where the All-Star Game began, first as a charity event in 1934 for Toronto forward Ace Bailey after he sustained a career-ending injury, and also where it was officially established in 1947. Whether the NHL will adjust the format or skills events, which have received their fair share of criticism in recent years, is unknown.

Interest in the purchase of the Ottawa Senators is heating up. Bettman told reporters today that “15 or more” groups have expressed interest in buying the franchise, also reiterating the league’s position against the prospective relocation of the team. Rumors in the past have also connected any potential purchasing party and the involvement of celebrity Ryan Reynolds, who had also expressed interest in purchasing the franchise himself.
Bettman also told reporters that the league is, “give or take,” approaching $6B in revenue this season. It’s unclear whether or not the figure is an end-of-season projection or how the league currently stands, but either way, it’s an increase from last season’s total revenue of roughly $5.4B. Despite declining viewership numbers in the United States, advertising opportunities for the league and its sponsors have never been more plentiful with the incorporation of ad patches on jerseys and the usage of digitally projected ads on the boards during gameplay.

Toronto Maple Leafs Make Several Roster Moves

January 29, 2023 at 1:30 pm CDT | by Ethan Hetu Leave a Comment

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced several roster moves. Defenseman T.J. Brodie has been activated off of injured reserve. goaltender Joseph Woll has been recalled from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on an emergency basis, a move necessary since Matt Murray is still dealing with a lingering ankle issue.

Additionally, forward Bobby McMann has been loaned to the Marlies, and star center Auston Matthews has been placed on injured reserve.

These are quite a few moves to sort out, but a few come as no surprise. Matthews lands on injured reserve after recent news that he would be out for three weeks with a knee sprain. Matthews has scored 53 points in 47 games this season, a rate lower than what he posted in last year’s Hart Trophy-winning campaign, and Matthews’ injury-related absence was in part with the purpose of getting him closer to 100% health for the rest of the season.

Matthews’ placement on injured reserve, combined with McMann being sent to the Marlies, clears a roster spot for GM Kyle Dubas to work with. McMann heads back to the Marlies after an eight-game run with the Maple Leafs. The undrafted former Colgate Raider has had a strong AHL year so far, scoring 15 points in 17 games, although the NHL scoresheet has eluded him.

He’ll likely be an option for another recall later in the year should injuries require the team to dip into its reserve of forwards at the AHL level once again.

Woll, 24, has been recalled on an emergency basis, likely with the idea of him backing up starting netminder Ilya Samsonov. Woll is a 2016 third-round pick who has posted extremely strong numbers in the AHL this season since returning from injury. In 13 games played, Woll has gone 12-1 with a .928 save percentage.

For their final move of this series of transactions, the Maple Leafs have activated veteran blueliner Brodie off of injured reserve. Brodie has been out since the Maple Leafs’ January 7th contest against the Detroit Red Wings. His addition back to the roster gives the team eight defensemen on their active roster, so it’s possible another move could be coming if the team is looking to carry just seven, which is the traditional amount teams like to keep on their roster.

With Brodie back into the mix, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe now has his blueline nearly back to full health after sustaining some significant injury issues over the course of this season. The status of veteran Jake Muzzin is still, of course, unclear, but with Brodie back into the fold, the team’s blueline is significantly stronger.

While the team may not be able to catch the league-leading Boston Bruins without an extremely hot run of results, adding Brodie back into the mix should help them solidify their second-place spot in the Atlantic Division.

T.J. Brodie Hoping To Play Sunday, Ankle Injury For Matt Murray

January 28, 2023 at 3:58 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose 1 Comment

The Maple Leafs could get a key defenseman back in the lineup tomorrow against Washington as TSN’s Mark Masters relays (Twitter link) that T.J. Brodie is planning to suit up pending medical clearance. The veteran skated on the top pairing at practice today and would be a welcome addition to Toronto’s back end. Brodie is averaging over 21 minutes a night (third-most among their defenders) and has eight points in 28 games so far. Brodie is currently on IR and the Leafs have a full roster so they’d have to send someone down to activate the blueliner.
Still with the Maple Leafs, Sports Illustrated’s David Alter notes that goaltender Matt Murray is dealing with an ankle issue. He was supposed to get the start last night against Ottawa but exited warmups early, resulting in Ilya Samsonov getting the nod once again. It’s unknown at this point if Murray will be available to dress on Sunday against Washington. He has a 2.73 GAA and a .911 SV% in 19 games so far this season, numbers that are nearly identical to his career averages.

Auston Matthews Out Three Weeks With Knee Sprain

January 27, 2023 at 9:32 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 6 Comments

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be missing their best player for the next little while, as Auston Matthews is expected to miss a minimum of three weeks with a knee sprain. The injury was suffered against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. This would also rule Matthews out for the All-Star festivities next week.

There were a number of hard hits delivered by the Rangers earlier this week, though there is no clear answer as to when Matthews sustained the injury. The star center still played nearly 22 minutes in the game, blocking three shots and delivering four shots on net.

In his place, rookie Pontus Holmberg was skating between Calle Jarnkrok and William Nylander, while John Tavares assumes top-line duty. The lack of offensive center depth is a concern for the Maple Leafs, and potentially could become an area of focus at the upcoming trade deadline.

It has been a frustrating season for Matthews, who has missed a handful of games with undisclosed injuries, and isn’t scoring at quite the same pace he is used to. Though he does have 53 points in 47 games, just 25 of those are goals. It would be the first time in his career that he finished with more assists than goals, should that trend continue.

Even more surprising is his lack of even-strength scoring, an area he has dominated throughout his career. In four of Matthews’ six seasons, he has led the league in even-strength goals, including last year when he potted 44 of them. Just 15 tallies this year have come at even strength, with his shooting percentage much lower than his career norm.

Some have speculated that other injuries have disrupted that timing all season, so perhaps Maple Leafs fans will see this time away with a bit of a silver lining. If on his return, Toronto gets the fully-recovered 60-goal superstar that won the Hart Trophy last season, a three-week absence will be a fine price to pay.

In his place at the All-Star game will be Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers.

Toronto Maple Leafs Hoping To Extend Conor Timmins

January 25, 2023 at 10:14 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 3 Comments

When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for Conor Timmins, he was barely an NHL player. The Arizona Coyotes were going to waive the oft-injured defenseman, to try and get him to the minor leagues so that he could ramp up his game. After all, the 24-year-old had played just 105 total games since the end of the 2017-18 season.

Since joining the Maple Leafs, though, Timmins has been excellent. While there has still been the odd moment of rust (including a couple of egregious giveaways), the young defenseman has racked up 12 points in 17 games, including his first NHL goal. Playing just over 16 minutes a night, he has fit in exceedingly well in Toronto.

So well, in fact, that the Maple Leafs are now looking to extend him before he reaches restricted free agency this summer according to Chris Johnston on TSN’s Insider Trading. Timmins is currently on a two-year deal that carries a cap hit of $850K, and would need a qualifying offer of $997,500 for the Maple Leafs to retain his rights.

Critically, because he has played so few games because of injury, Timmins won’t be eligible for arbitration this summer. That takes away a lot of his leverage, and makes an extension more likely. The Maple Leafs can reward him with some multi-year security, and lock him into a reasonable cap hit through his remaining RFA years. They could even go longer, into his UFA seasons, though Timmins would be essentially betting against his own health at that point. With the kind of production he has shown so far, there would be a big payday down the road if he can stay on the ice regularly.

Toronto Maple Leafs Recall Joey Anderson

January 24, 2023 at 12:46 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

On December 10, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said he would give Joey Anderson some run with the NHL club, to see if he could handle regular duty on the fourth line. A few games later he found himself out of the lineup and back in the minor leagues.

Now, the 24-year-old has been recalled and appears set to return to Toronto’s lineup. He practiced on the fourth line, and Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun reports that Zach Aston-Reese will come out to keep a healthy competition for minutes between the team’s depth forwards.

Anderson has been one of the Toronto Marlies’ best players again this year, scoring 14 goals and 27 points in 30 games. But that kind of production has never followed him to the NHL, where he has just 14 points in 65 career games.

As Toronto approaches the trade deadline, many are expecting them to upgrade the second-line left wing spot beside John Tavares, which has been something of a rotating cast for the last few seasons. Calle Jarnkrok is currently there, but has never really produced at a top-six level. If the team does make an addition, Jarnkork will likely drop down and push one of those depth forwards out of the lineup.

The competition is only going to get tougher from here, meaning if Anderson has any hope of establishing himself in the NHL this season, he’ll need to make an impact right away.

Anton Blidh, Dryden Hunt Clear Waivers

January 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm CDT | by Josh Erickson Leave a Comment

Jan 23: Both players have cleared waivers, meaning they can be assigned to the minor leagues.

Jan 22: Two players will be on today’s waiver wire, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The Colorado Avalanche have waived forward Anton Blidh, while the Toronto Maple Leafs have waived forward Dryden Hunt.

Blidh lands on waivers for the second time this season after clearing them before the start of the regular season. After signing a one-year, two-way deal to join the Avalanche last offseason, Blidh has made 13 NHL appearances as injuries have stricken the team’s forward corps. He’s yet to get on the scoresheet.

If Blidh clears, he’ll return to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. There, he has six goals, three assists, and nine points in 23 games. While he’s never been an offensive force in the minors, the 2013 sixth-round pick was brought to Colorado to provide a hard-nosed depth option, similar to the role Nicolas Aube-Kubel held last year.

Hunt, on the other hand, now runs the risk of suiting up for his fourth NHL team just this season. Waived by the New York Rangers a week into the season, he was claimed by the Avalanche to serve as an upgrade over Blidh’s role. After scoring once in 25 games with Colorado, he was dealt to the Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Denis Malgin.

With just one point (a goal) in nine games with the Leafs, though, the organization has opted to try and sneak him through waivers. Hunt was a full-time NHLer last season with the Rangers, recording 17 points in 76 games. He’s in the final year of a two-year contract carrying a cap hit of $762,500.

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