We’ve talked at great length about the Toronto Maple Leafs being buyers at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline and the response from readers and fans has been mixed. Some believe the Leafs will add if they can, while others suggest the team will likely stand pat and let the roster that’s gotten them to this point do their thing.
One big factor will be what the cost to acquire a rental will be. And thanks to Toronto Sun scribe Steve Simmons, there’s now a player to discuss and debate for the Leafs, and if the cost to add him would be worth it.
Related: Maple Leafs Looking for Grit, Not Skill at NHL Trade Deadline
Admittedly, Simmons has a so-so track record with these kinds of reports, but here’s what he noted in a recent column:
Here is where it gets dicey. The Leafs have next to no salary cap room. In order to acquire anyone — the name Nick Foligno keeps popping up — they would have to move other assets and money, certainly Alex Kerfoot for example, maybe one of the young defencemen Rasmus Sandin or Timothy Liljegren, maybe the young sniper Nick Robertson, maybe an early-round draft pick.
Simmons is suggesting that the Leafs target a top six forward and Foligno would certainly qualify. He’s a pending UFA at the end of the season, which would make him a rental, but his price tag of $5.5 million guarantees the Leafs have to send money back, while Columbus likely has to retain some salary in the deal.
Do You Move Young Pieces for a Rental Like Foligno?
With four goals and 11 points in 26 games, Foligno is certainly not a sniper that’s going to come in and deliver huge production. It’s been quite a while since he scored over 25 goals in a season and it was all the way back in 2014-15 when he was anything close to a point-per-game player.
That said, he does offer the kind of grit and sandpaper a team like Toronto might like for a deep playoff run.
The question will be if the Leafs would be willing to move young pieces like Rasmus Sandin or Nick Robertson to complete the deal, assuming it’s even on the table.
Next: Buffalo Sabres “Wide Open” for Business Headed into NHL Trade Deadline
Jeff
March 7, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Simmons should never be used as a source for trades… so-so track record is an under statement… I wonder how he is even still being referenced as a reporter shows how far media has dropped.
Burkies boy
March 7, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Just a stupid trade . Ya, they are really going to give that muvh up for a rental. Just stupid
NHL Trade Talk
March 9, 2021 at 9:47 am
He certainly is a reporter since he works for the Toronto Sun. That said, this article was meant to be more about discussing the idea of the trade than it was actually suggesting Simmons had inside info that we should all believe.
Brian L
March 7, 2021 at 8:22 pm
Simmonds is a hack who I’m surprised is still employed
NHL Trade Talk
March 9, 2021 at 9:45 am
Toronto fans seem to like Simmonds… Simmons on the other hand, not so much. But, yes, we see where you’re going with this.
Al Reillys Catalyst
March 7, 2021 at 8:26 pm
Maybe Kerfoot if Columbus holds 50% of Foligno’s salary but don’t make me laugh at the other names dropped!!
Al Reillys Catalyst
March 7, 2021 at 8:30 pm
They use the term scribe very loosely as it is more Child scribble
Marner
March 8, 2021 at 5:15 am
Wrong target in my opinion. Boone Jenner is your man, 3rd line shutdown guy with an extra year left on a contract, just what Dubas likes. Send out Kerfoot and a high pick or prospect, deal is done.
Rick
March 8, 2021 at 5:59 am
I would love to have Nick Foligno on the Leafs, unfortunately the cost of trading for him will most likely too high. Not knowing what he would be looking for on his next contract doesn’t help much either. As I’ve said Nick would be a great addition, but most likely not doable. It wouldn’t hurt for Dubas to inquire though. Having said all of this, Steve Simmonds is the last person to trust with having any insider trading info.
Burkies boy
March 8, 2021 at 7:56 am
Seve Simmons starts fires and sits back like a piro and watches. No credability
Burkies boy
March 8, 2021 at 9:05 am
Pyromaniac
NHL Trade Talk
March 9, 2021 at 9:42 am
He certainly started one here, or so it seems.
NHL Trade Talk
March 9, 2021 at 9:43 am
I’m not sure I’d say last person to trust. That said, he certainly doesn’t seem to have a lot of fans here.
dave egan
March 10, 2021 at 4:35 pm
nothing wrong with Simmons column.obviously a number of you read it. I enjoy reading it.Thanks Steve