Leafs Prospect requests a trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs have found themselves in a situation where one of their prospects and Toronto Marlies defenseman Joseph Duszak is no longer happy in his current situation and is seeking an opportunity elsewhere. The 24-year-old American signed an ELC with the Maple Leafs in 2018-19 out of the NCAA, and signed a 1-year, $750,000 extension this season.
Duszak is, at this point, a very good offensive RD in the AHL, sitting third in points among defensemen with 37 points in 37 games this season. He reportedly wants a shot in the NHL and doesn't feel that he will get it in Toronto. It's understandable, at 24 years old, his window to make the big leagues is closing fast.
For the Leafs, it's a chance to bring in an asset that they can potentially use this season. It would make sense for them to trade Duszak for a depth player, maybe someone older on a selling team that they can stick in the minors until playoff time. This would give Duszak a chance to earn an NHL audition and hopefully land himself an NHL contract in the off season. The other option is a draft pick, which the Leafs could sorely use this summer, as they currently only have three picks in 2022.
I wouldn't expect the Leafs to get a regular roster player for him, but stranger things have happened. If Dubas can sell Duszak as a right handed defender who can quarterback a power play, he might have value as a part of a package deal. Either way, we'll find out shortly with the March 21 trade deadline fast approaching. It will be interesting to see what sort of value Dubas can get for Duszak, and what kind of opportunity Duszak can find with his new team.
| POLL | ||
10 MARS | 271 ANSWERS Leafs Prospect requests a trade Will the Leafs facilitate Duszak's request? | ||
| He'll be traded for a pick | 57 | 21 % |
| He'll be traded for an AHLer | 24 | 8.9 % |
| He'll be a part of a package deal | 190 | 70.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
