Trade talks heating up between the Leafs and the Sharks
As was reported yesterday by Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading, the Leafs are highly interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Jacob Middleton. A relatively unknown defenseman until this season, Middleton has spent the entire year playing alongside either Brent Burns or Erik Karlsson in the Sharks' top 4.
A 7th round pick in 2014 by the LA Kings, Middleton had played a total of 14 NHL games until this season. At 26 years old and 6'3, 210 pounds, Middleton would add some much needed physicality and size to the Leafs' back end and would supply them with at least one physical, defensive defenseman on each pair.
The apparent asking price for Middleton is a 2nd round pick and another mid-round pick, but that price is likely to climb and turn into a bidding war as it has been reported that the Leafs and Bruins are in the most serious talks with San Jose for his services.
While it may be a high asking price for a relatively unknown defenseman, he is an RFA at the end of season, meaning the Leafs would have the ability to match any offer made to him as long as they qualify him.
Middleton's cap hit makes him an intriguing piece for the Leafs, as he only makes 750K, which would be easy for the Leafs to fit under the cap, especially if they send Dermott or someone else off the current roster back to San Jose.
Chris Johnston had reported on Tuesday that the Leafs were indeed looking to move some salary to allow them to make another move to upgrade their forward group or goaltending after they address arguably their most imminent need on the blueline.
| POLL | ||
MARS 16 | 554 ANSWERS Trade talks heating up between the Leafs and the Sharks Will the Leafs be able to address all of their needs before the deadline? | ||
| Yes | 124 | 22.4 % |
| No | 201 | 36.3 % |
| As long as they add a defenseman, it's all good | 136 | 24.5 % |
| They need a goalie above all else | 93 | 16.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
