When discussing what the Toronto Maple Leafs might do and talking about the injury situation in goal, TSN’s Frank Seravalli wondered as part of the DFO Rundown podcast if the Maple Leafs have, in fact, already made their splash this year and suggested their trade deadline deals are effectively done.
Related: Oilers Have Specific Plan Heading into 2020-21 NHL Trade Deadline
Darren Dreger noted that the Leafs might be keeping an eye on a couple of situations like the Tanner Pearson talks in Vancouver or the Kyle Palmieri contract issues in New Jersey. That said, he says, if the asks are too rich, then he looks at some secondary pieces on the blue line or potential in goal. But, Seravalli says, “What if the Maple Leafs have already made their trade deadline acquisition?… Alex Galchenyuk?” He adds, this is all about fit for the Leafs and Seravalli argues the Leafs aren’t making a trade for the sake of adding name value or recognition. They simply want a player that fits with their current roster and given their cap restrictions, they may have found it.
The NHL insider explains the Maple Leafs aren’t going crazy if the prices aren’t right and with Galchenyuk on the roster and producing a bit, (four points in eight games) Seravalli asks, “How much more are you getting from a production standpoint on the open market and what’s it going to cost you to do it?” He adds that this is a conversation the Leafs have to be having at this point.
What Might the Leafs Still Be Looking For?
It could be that the Maple Leafs are done. That doesn’t mean they won’t be doing their due diligence and listening or inquiring about certain things they’ve identified as needs. Pierre LeBrun does believe the Leafs will try to add some sandpaper before the deadline based on the history of how things have gone against teams that have grit in the playoffs. He noted that Dubas could be looking for a player with some “bite to his game.” He name dropped a player like Scott Laughton out of Philadelphia and Seravalli adds that’s why Toronto liked Mikael Granlund out Nashville.
While he agrees that Galchenyuk has been a pretty good fit, Dreger wonders if GM Kyle Dubas is still going to look at the market for a player with a little bit of term on his deal. It offers the Leafs some cost certainty and “takes a bit of the heat off of what happens with Zach Hyman in the near future”, Dreger says.
He threw a grenade out there by teasing, what if Hyman tests the free agency market and signs with a team like the Edmonton Oilers?
Next: NHL’s 31 Most Insanely Underrated Players: One From Each Team
Pingback: Maple Game Notes from 4-2 Win Vs. Flames: Tavares, Marner & Nylander
Pingback: Is Jack Campbell the Maple Leafs' Goalie of the Future?
Pingback: Is Jack Campbell the Maple Leafs' Goalie of the Future? » 观看直播