Insider lists the Leafs and Ducks as potential trade partners for 28-year-old winger
As we approach the quarter-mark of the 2022-23 season, the Leafs have turned things around significantly since the first 10 games, where they posted an underwhelming 4-4-2 record. Now, having gone 6-1-2 over their last 9, the Buds have begun to find some chemistry. There is still some room for improvement, however, and GM Kyle Dubas will continue to explore all options that he feels will help make his team better. This includes tapping into the trade market if necessary.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs have shown interest in a West coast forward, who also spent time in New York and Florida in recent years. When discussing the Anaheim Ducks on his most recent edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedge dropped this little tidbit involving the Leafs and Ducks.
-Friedman on Vatrano and the Leafs
Vatrano, plays both wings and has three more years at $3.65M per season. As Friedman pointed out, even at 50% retained, the Buds may have trouble fitting a $1.8M Vatrano under the cap unless they move out some money.
The obvious solution here would be for the Leafs to send a roster player to Anaheim and the Ducks but if the Ducks would rather not take on any additional money and would prefer a pick or a prospect, then perhaps the Leafs could swing a deal with another team where they move a roster player out as a part of a double-retention scheme.
Adding Vatrano would give the Leafs another shoot-first player to play with Tavares. Splitting time between Florida and the Rangers last season, Vatrano scored 18 goals and 32 points in 71 games but had 5 goals and 13 points for the Rangers in just 20 playoff games prior. Vatrano's underlying numbers with the Rangers were good during his time there and, unlike Kerfoot, who makes every line he plays with worse, Vatrano makes the lines he plays on better. Vatrano would be an upgrade for the Leafs' middle six over the likes of Pierre Engvall and quite possibly Alex Kerfoot as well, even though Kerfoot outscored him last season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 218 ANSWERS Insider lists the Leafs and Ducks as potential trade partners for 28-year-old winger Should the Leafs try to move one of Pierre Engvall or Alex Kerfoot in a deal for Frank Vatrano? | ||
| Yes | 159 | 72.9 % |
| No | 59 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
