Sportsnet analysts break down what a Meier trade could look like for the Leafs
It's no secret that the Leafs are shopping for an upgrade at the trade deadline. Conflicting reports have us unsure about what exactly they are looking for, but the general consensus is that a top 6 winger is what the team needs most at the moment.
Timo Meier's name has been at or near the top of the trade bait list all season, and he would be an excellent fit for the Leafs. He's big, fast, physical and, even on a bad Sharks team, he scores like crazy. The issue is that there are 15 other playoff teams, all of whom would benefit from adding Meier to their lineups. There will absolutely be multiple bidders for his services at the trade deadline.
On the Real Kyper and Bourne show, guest Sam McKee proposed a trade that he thinks may work for the Leafs to acquire Meier.
To TOR: LW Timo Meier (10% retained)C Steven Lorentz
To SJS:W Pierre EngvallW/C Alex KerfootLW Matthew Knies2023 3rd round pick (OTT)2024 2nd round pick (TOR)
Both Kypreos and Bourne thought the trade would work for both sides, I'm a little more skeptical. For one, I would rather keep Matthew Knies and instead offer this year's 1st round pick instead. I believe the Sharks would like the deal better that way as well. Second, I don't think the package offered is enough. Both Kerfoot and Engvall are on expiring deals, so their value isn't very strong.
Keeping in mind that there are likely multiple teams bidding on Meier, I think the Leafs would have to add a prospect, let San Jose pick one of Nick Robertson or Topi Niemela and add them to the package. In exchange, San Jose would retain the full 50%, rather than the 10% suggested, leaving the Leafs with just over $80,000 in cap space. Alex Kerfoot would stay with the Leafs in this trade, and Joey Anderson would be sent to the minors to make room for Meier.
I believe this package works better for both the Leafs and the Sharks than the one proposed by McKee. The value going each way stays very close, but both teams walk away better for it.
| POLL | ||
8 FEVRIER | 99 ANSWERS Sportsnet analysts break down what a Meier trade could look like for the Leafs Who's trade works better? | ||
| McKee's deal | 8 | 8.1 % |
| Ben's deal | 27 | 27.3 % |
| They're both bad. | 64 | 64.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
