A deal with the Ducks makes a ton of sense for the Leafs
We have finally begun the two-week countdown to the NHL's trade deadline and it's expected to be a very busy one. For teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who typically like to get their deals done early, this could be an especially important week.
Last week, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas spoke from the site of the 2022 Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. During his media availability, he touched on a variety of subjects. Among those talking points, Dubas mentioned that, unless the team is informed that defenseman Jake Muzzin is done for the season, they'll likely only have one move remaining.
Was Dubas being purposefully vague or just fully transparent? After all, he did already make a pair of moves to address a need on defense with the acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin and he also acquired goaltender Carter Hutton for some additional depth in goal - though it is not expected that Hutton will leave Tuscon at this point. Is there a chance that the Leafs already know that Muzzin is not returning this season and that they're trying to play this one close to the chest while they work to pull of a major deal?
Something Dubas said stuck out to me. He said that the Leafs likely only have one move left and that their main focus was on defense. Why did that comment stand out? Because he didn't specify that he would only be after one player. Could the Leafs be planning to swing a multi-player deal? If so, they should strike a deal with the Anaheim Ducks, who can address multiple needs.
The first player that the Leafs should try to acquire is obvious. They should go after pending UFA defenseman Hampus Lindholm. In Lindholm, the Leafs would be getting a solid two-way defenseman who, at 6'4, would have no issues being able to help clear the front of the net. As a pending free agent, Lindholm would cost the Leafs far less than a player like Jakob Chychrun, who has term remaining on a team-friendly deal. However, with Lindholm carrying a $5.205M cap hit, the Leafs would likely require the Ducks and possibly another team to retain some salary on Lindholm.
The other player who could fill an important need for the Leafs is winger Maxime Comtois. During Saturday's edition of 32 Thoughts during the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek revealed that the Ducks could be interested in moving the 23-year-old, as he appears to be falling out of favour in Anaheim.
After posting career highs in goals, assists and points in 55 games last season (16+17=33), Comtois has struggled mightily this season, registering just 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points through 32 games. This rapid drop off in production does not reflect the talent of the player, but rather just some poor puck luck. After shooting 15.6% and 17% in each ofthe last two seasons, Comtois has seen his shooting percentage drop to just 4.3% this season.
Comtois, a 2nd round pick in 2017, could be an excellent buy-low candidate for the Leafs, and it would ensure that they're not giving up assets for nothing, as Comtois is under contract next season as well and will be an RFA when his deal expires.
In terms of what the Leafs would have to give up in order to make this deal worthwhile for Anaheim, I'd imagine that Lindholm will fetch at least two, possibly three pieces that a high quality rental would normally fetch - a high pick, a roster player and a prospect. There may end up being an additional pick in there for retention if a third team gets involved. As far as Comtois goes, I'd imagine that the Ducks will be looking for a player of similar age and skill, plus a high pick or a good prospect.
Estimated trade proposal:
TOR gives up Alexander Kerfoot, Timothy Liljegren, Roni Hirvonen, their 2023 1st round pick, 2022 2nd round pick, 2024 4th round pick (for 50% retention on Lindholm).
ANA gives up Hampus Lindholm, Maxime Comtois and the Leafs' 5th round pick (originally dealt to Anaheim in the Ben Hutton deal last season)
| POLL | ||
7 MARS | 220 ANSWERS A deal with the Ducks makes a ton of sense for the Leafs Do you see the Leafs working out a deal like this one with the Ducks or another team? | ||
| Yes, it makes a lot of sense | 80 | 36.4 % |
| No, they'll just get one defenseman | 94 | 42.7 % |
| Doesn't matter - they'll lose in round 1 | 46 | 20.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
