A huge opportunity presents itself in Anaheim for Leafs GM Kyle Dubas
Opportunity could be knocking for the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the NHL's trade deadline, but they're certainly going to have some competition when it comes to trade deadline targets. Especially if they're looking at the Anaheim Ducks as potential trading partners.
The Ducks have a trio of pending UFA's, all of whom the Leafs -- and countless other organizations -- are going to take a long, hard look at. Those three names are, of course, defensemen Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm and forward Rickard Rakell. The problem was, nobody knew if they'd even be available. That is, until today.
Per Ducks GM Pat Verbeek, the Ducks' first priority is going to be to try to extend the three veterans. However, if the negotiations don't bear fruit for the rookie general manager, he is not going to risk coming away empty-handed. Here's what Verbeek had to say to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Monday:
Obviously, if Verbeek cannot sign the trio of talented players, it makes more sense to trade them at the deadline to maximize his return, as trading their negotiating rights in the offseason will not net him nearly the same return.
If Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is looking for an upgrade, either on the wing or on the blueline, he should be waiting to pounce at a moment's notice if Verbeek plans to make available any or all of these 3 players.
Lindholm, long considered one of the better two-way defensemen in the league carries a $5.205M cap hit this season. He plays on the left side and could be the optimal replacement for Jake Muzzin down the stretch if he is indeed expected to miss the rest of the season.
Manson, 30, is a right-shot, heavy defender with a real mean streak, tailor-made for the postseason. His deal carries a $4.1M cap hit, but he does possess a modified NTC, allowing him to submit a list of 12 teams that he would not accept a trade to.
Rakell, 28, can play either the right or left wing, carries a $3.789M cap hit and is a multi-time 20 and 30-goal scorer. Of the 3 Ducks, Rakell may make the most sense for the Leafs, given the fact that his cap hit is the lowest among the three. Also, the Leafs have long been rumoured to be in the market for a top-6 upgrade.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28 | 430 ANSWERS A huge opportunity presents itself in Anaheim for Leafs GM Kyle Dubas If you could only take one of these 3 players, who would you trade for? | ||
| Lindholm | 128 | 29.8 % |
| Rakell | 76 | 17.7 % |
| Manson | 226 | 52.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
