The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through powerful roster choices as they work via giving alternatives to wholesome gamers, cap concerns, and commerce prospects. With defenseman Jani Hakanpaa on the verge of returning, roster house is working out. In keeping with Frank Seravalli of Each day Faceoff, ahead Nick Robertson may very well be an imminent commerce candidate if Toronto finds an appropriate return.
Robertson, a restricted free agent with an $875,000 cap hit, has struggled to keep up a gentle spot within the lineup regardless of main the staff in preseason targets. Sadly, his manufacturing has dropped off for the reason that common season started. Robertson has scored simply as soon as in 10 video games and stays a wholesome scratch candidate. Beneath head coach Craig Berube, he has been challenged to enhance his defensive play, and it’s beginning to seem like endurance is carrying skinny.
Servalli famous:
“…Nick Robertson was a wholesome scratch this week and stays a candidate to be moved if the Leafs can discover the fitting worth in return for him. He’s been unable to be elevated in that Leafs lineup for any sustained time frame.”
Seravalli provides {that a} mixture of things might sign Toronto’s have to make a transfer. As a result of the Leafs aren’t waiving their solely waiver-exempt participant in Matthew Knies, the Leafs will both have to commerce or threat shedding a participant on waivers to make room on the roster. “Control the Leafs, the opposite shoe has to drop on these guys if they’re wholesome on the opposite finish of this conditioning stint,” Seravalli states.
Can the Maple Leafs Commerce Somebody Different Than Robertson?
If not Robertson, Pontus Holmberg is one other potential commerce candidate. There’s some debate about who the Leafs ought to keep on with. Holmberg’s $800,000 cap hit and two-way talent set give him worth on the commerce market. As Joshua Kloke of The Athletic factors out, “The Leafs made 16 picks via the essential 2017 and 2018 drafts. After the Timothy Liljegren commerce, only one participant from these drafts — sixth-round choose Pontus Holmberg — stays within the group.”
Lastly, there’s chatter that Toronto would possibly flip just lately acquired defenseman Matt Benning. A depth blueliner on a good contract, if the Leafs can discover a taker, they’ll contemplate it. Philippe Myers can also be a commerce possibility.
Subsequent: NHL Commerce Discuss Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens & Capitals
