The Leafs' best potential trade partners, volume one: The Chicago Blackhawks
With Chicago accepting that they are in a rebuild phase, the Leafs are looking to fine tune their already strong roster. This might make for a perfect combination as trade partners, with both teams benefitting despite being in completely different stages in the NHL. The Blackhawks need to focus on their future, while Toronto must concentrate on the season directly ahead. The Leafs need to make some moves this offseason to sharpen their already strong team into a group who can hopefully go on a cup run. Meanwhile, Kyle Davidson has made it evident now that Chicago will be looking to prepare for their future, meaning Toronto can potentially benefit from their moving of current stars.
Alex DeBrincat is just one Blackhawks player who's name which has been brought up as a possible addition to the Leafs next season. The 24 year old only seems to be improving his game, and would be a welcome addition to Toronto's top six if the trade was right.
DeBrincat is just one example of potentially beneficial trades the Blackhawks could make with the Leafs, with other names such as Connor Murphy and Kirby Dach also being mentioned. In return, Toronto will be looking to move Petr Mrázek as a priority this offseason. It's no secret that the goaltender's time in Toronto did not pan out quite as expected, so perhaps an opportunity to develop Chicago's goaltending, while Mrázek has a chance in a new franchise could be the solution for all involved parties.
As a rebuild, the Blackhawks may look for experience to be added to their roster to help develop their young prospects. Jake Muzzin may be the answer in this scenario. Despite being a dedicated player, his price tag of $5.625 million for the next couple of seasons means it may not be feasible for the Leafs to keep Muzzin on the team. However, with an NTC, moving Muzzin to free up cap space would require a trade deal which suited everyone involved.
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks could be ideal trade partners this offseason. With one looking for a cup and the other in a rebuild, the two can provide each other with players necessary for these phases. Talks would be required surrounding salary retention and deals, but it is perfectly feasible that these two teams could be linked in trade deals.
