Kucherov Open to Joining Maple Leafs, What Would It Take to Get It Done?

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Nikita Kucherov could be a Toronto Maple Leaf, at least in theory. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Tampa Bay superstar would be willing to play for Toronto or Montreal, provided either club puts together a package the Lightning like. “He is not opposed to playing in Canada,” Friedman said, adding that those teams are two among many Kucherov would consider.

Friedman also relayed a warning to anyone hoping the situation cools off. Sources told him that once Kucherov makes a decision, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change his mind.

But if the Lightning decide they have no choice but to trade Kucherov, can Toronto really pull the trigger?

Toronto fits the profile ESPN’s Emily Kaplan described after the trade request became public: a player who wants to team up with another of the league’s top stars. The Leafs have Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna and William Nylander. It also doesn’t hurt that Kucherov’s agent, Dan Milstein, also represents Kirill Marchenko.

Leafs players are on board. Defenseman Darryn Raddysh (a former teammate of Kucherov’s) called the idea “unbelievable.” “That would be unbelievable to get him. He’s easily one of the best players in the world. And the way he goes about his business, I think it would be awesome to have him.” Nick Paul said he’d be great to have, though “you never know what’s really going to happen.”

There Are Several Obstacles for the Maple Leafs

The first obstacle is the salary cap. Toronto would need to shed a significant chunk to fit in Kucherov’s salary this season and for any beyond (if he agrees to an extension). They’d also have to give up a top prospect. Any package would likely have to include the Colorado first-round pick and either Easton Cowan or Ben Danford, depending on what Tampa Bay wants.

Of course, Tampa has to agree to make a trade within the division. That’s unlikely. But even if they could wrap their head around it, Toronto would have to pay a premium.

For now, even if the player is open to the idea, a Kucherov trade to Toronto looks like a pie-in-the-sky move. The Leafs would first have to clear significant financial and roster hurdles. The more likely option would be to wait until free agency and let Toronto be one of the many teams making a pitch to sign Kucherov.

Next: Don’t Be Too Quick to Judge the Maple Leafs Jim Hiller