Maple Leafs Bet on Aatu Räty: Who Won the Trade?

Sometimes, a hockey trade isn’t about landing a star. It’s about finding a player who might do better somewhere else. That’s what makes the Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision to acquire Aatu Räty from the Vancouver Canucks interesting. Toronto sent prospects Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr to Vancouver, giving both teams a chance to see what they can get out of the deal.

So, how did each team do?

---

---

Toronto Maple Leafs: Grade B

I like this move for Toronto. Räty is 23, has played 118 NHL games, and brings a couple of things the Maple Leafs could use: size down the middle and an ability to win faceoffs. He won 60.5 percent of his draws last season and was at 56.8 percent this season before the trade.

That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly become a regular NHL centre, but there’s enough there to make him worth a look. Räty has played just four games for Vancouver this season, scoring once, and hasn’t had much chance to establish himself. The Maple Leafs didn’t have to bet the farm to bring him in. Quillan has played 24 NHL games, while Buhr is still early in his development. Both have a chance to become useful players, but Räty has more NHL experience and could give Toronto another option down the middle.

Now comes the interesting part. Can a fresh start help him take the next step? If Räty becomes a dependable depth centre, I think the Maple Leafs will be happy with this deal.

Vancouver Canucks: Grade B

I can see why Vancouver made the move, too. Räty wasn’t playing regularly, so the Canucks turned a player who wasn’t getting much opportunity into two young prospects they can keep developing. Quillan has some NHL experience, while Buhr is just beginning his professional career. Neither is a sure thing, but that’s the nature of dealing prospects. You hope one or both develop into players who can help your NHL team down the road.

I also wouldn’t read too much into Räty’s limited role in Vancouver. It doesn’t necessarily mean he couldn’t play. Sometimes a player just doesn’t find the right fit, or other players get the opportunities first. Now Toronto gets to see whether a change of scenery makes a difference.

What Happens Next for Both the Maple Leafs and the Canucks?

I’m not ready to declare a winner here. Toronto gets the more experienced NHL player, while Vancouver gets two young players to work with. Both teams have a reasonable case for making this deal. For the Maple Leafs, Räty’s grade could look better if he settles in and becomes a reliable contributor. For the Canucks, it will depend on what Quillan and Buhr become.

For now, I’d call this a sensible hockey trade. Neither team has guaranteed itself a big win, but both have given themselves something worth watching.

Related: Maple Leafs Acquire Forward Aatu Räty in Trade With Canucks