Former Leafs Lunch host convinced that the Leafs and Flames are working on something
If there is one team out there that the Toronto Maple Leafs should be circling around like vultures, it's the Calgary Flames. That's not just because it's Brad Treliving's former club, but primarily because they are being forced to move several key roster players who no longer want to be around.
It was reported earlier this week that Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund are most likely not favouring an extension, while Noah Hanifin informed the Flames that he will not be seeking an extension after his contract expires at the end of the 2023-24 season. Few days later, Tyler Toffoli joined the list. All 4 players are pending UFAs in the summer of 2024.
With so many players on expiring contracts entering the 2023-24 season and a new front office in charge, the Flames have to once again spend the off-season re-tooling as they try build a roster that makes sense with Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri signed long term.
Brad Treliving and Craig Conroy have a fantastic relationship and Treliving essentially acquired all the aforementioned players with the exception of Backlund who was drafted in 2007.
Locked on Leafs discussed this possibility earlier today and Michael DiStefano was especially convinced that the Leafs and Flames either have something brewing now or will in the very near future. Here's what he had to say on the subject.
Obviously Brad Treliving and Craig Conroy have a terrific relationship from their time in Calgary so I truly believe there is something to be done here with the Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. Whether it's Lindholm or it's Hanifin, I think there's a strong possibility that trade talks are happening currently and maybe something could get done prior to draft night."
The Leafs want a top-4 defenseman and Hanifin can fill that role. Elias Lindholm may be tougher to acquire because of his excellent two-way play and the fact that he plays a premium position at center. It's not nearly as tough to acquire a left shot defenseman.
The Maple Leafs have a lot of pending UFAs of their own and not many roster players with term to ship out, but William Nylander's name will definitely be involved in these rumours if they persist, with Lindholm and Hanifin being the primary targets who could be moving the other way. The Leafs have a decent prospect pool as well and have some players that could entice Calgary alongside their late first round pick in the upcoming draft.
A trade makes sense for both sides and should be ironed out with relative ease considering the relationship between both general managers - but also because of the urgency after the implosion from Calgary's side of things.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 438 ANSWERS Former Leafs Lunch host convinced that the Leafs and Flames are working on something Do you think the Leafs and Flames will complete a trade over the next week? | ||
| Yes | 335 | 76.5 % |
| No | 103 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
