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Mutual Interest Between Maple Leafs and Pietrangelo

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun provided an update on the Pietrangelo situation, specifically as it pertains to interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It’s been a busy 24 hours when it comes to news regarding pending free agent defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. In the span of one day, the news went from Pietrangelo being disappointed a deal wasn’t coming along more quickly, to news that the blueliner was open to talking with other teams, to reports that negotiations between the St. Louis Blues and their captain had broken off entirely.

Speculation started running wild that the next step might include the Toronto Maple Leafs and Cap Friendly tweeted “We just got a server alert telling us that traffic to our #Leafs page sky rocketed.” What it meant was that all the potential rumors of Pietrangelo coming to the Leafs began to feel more possible.

It also meant Toronto fans were curious as to how the finances would work.

The Maple Leafs Are Interested

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently provided an update on the Pietrangelo situation, specifically as it pertains to interest coming in from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Per his reports, there is interest. It sounds like that interest is mutual.

LeBrun said, “I do believe there is mutual interest there if he doesn’t re-sign in St. Louis — and that is a big if because I think the Blues are going to put their best foot forward here between now and October 9th.” Clearly, the last part of that statement changed on Friday.

News broke that Pietrangelo had committed to meeting with other teams and while it can’t be confirmed that Toronto is one of those teams, it’s logical to assume the two sides will talk. It’s also logical to assume that if the Maple Leafs could make the salary cap situation work, they’d jump all over adding him to the roster.

LeBrun noted:

The idea of a Rielly-Pietrangelo top pairing is an unbelievable thought, but it’s incredibly difficult salary cap gymnastics. If the Leafs could even entertain Alex Pietrangelo, they would have to make some major moves to move more cap space out.

He’s not kidding.

He went on to say that he spoke with teams over the past few days and was advised that the Leafs are actively trying to move a few pieces that could open up cap space to make a Pietrangelo-to-Toronto move possible. Among the names on the trade block is Andreas Johnsson.

But, if the Maple Leafs are serious about this, as LeBrun notes, Johnsson’s $3.4 million contract would only be the start of moves GM Kyle Dubas would need to do to make the room needed.

Alex Pietrangelo Blues Defenseman
Alex Pietrangelo Blues Defenseman

What Comes Next for Toronto?

Let’s say that Toronto is able to move the pieces needed. The names going out would likely include Johnsson, Alex Kerfoot, Travis Dermott, Justin Holl, and Frederik Andersen. That would only be half the equation. The other half is ensuring Pietrangelo is on board.

Sure, he may have interest in Toronto as a possible destination, but where do they rank on his chart of teams? The Leafs aren’t going to be the only interested franchise. In fact, there may be a number of teams who have him on their radar and so much so, LeBrun tweeted, “One thing to keep an eye on: would the Blues be willing to trade Pietrangelo’s rights before Oct. 9 and if so, what is the draft pick that gets it done?”

That’s not even if you factor in what it is that Pietrangelo actually wants to do.

Now that Pietrangelo has wrapped his head around the idea that he’s more likely to move on than stay in St. Louis, he’s going to need to decide what his next move is. Should he find a contender? He’ll need to believe the Maple Leafs are that team. Take the most money? Even if Toronto moves out the right pieces, another team could probably offer more. Will he sign short-term or long-term? His willingness to be flexible in that regard could really change things.

Related: Maple Leafs Hire Malhotra As Assistant Coach, Boudreau Out?

Do the Leafs Back Up Plan?

If the Leafs are interested in Pietrangelo and Pietrangelo the Maple Leafs, that’s all well and good. But, one has to wonder if there’s a backup plan should the finances not work or the course change in a hurry. That’s likely to happen.

In the end, all of this is possible, just not probable. There is so much that needs to happen here, Leafs fans who want Pietrangelo need to hope there is more going on here than just “mutual interest”. Both sides need to view this as priority to have any chance of getting it done.

Next: Wild Make Public Announcement They Will Not Re-Sign Koivu

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