Western Conference team may have a perfect long-term fix for the Leafs at center
It isn't a new conversation, but one that certainly has more meaning as Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares continues to age and slow down. There has been plenty of conversation surrounding the need for a second-line center that would and should move Tavares to the wing where his footspeed is less of a factor. Unfortunately, the options are either not there or are very limited making asking prices extremely high, but there is one particular player that could fill the void for years to come, if the Leafs are willing to pay the asking price.
According to reports, Minnesota Wild centerman Joel Eriksson Ek is available. Those reports have indicated that the asking price is significant right now, but he is certainly an option the Leafs and GM Brad Treliving should take a long look at. The 26-year-old 2015 first-round pick is everything the Leafs need in a 2C. He's big (6'3, 210 pounds), is physical and can contribute offensively. In 42 games for the Wild this season, Eriksson Ek has 15 goals and 28 points. The other aspect of his game that could benefit the Leafs tremendously is his defensive prowess.
Not only would Eriksson Ek provide the Leafs with a very good number 2 that can contribute on both sides of the puck, but his age aligns with the other three big forwards on the Leafs. He is signed for another five seasons following this one at a very reasonable cap hit of $5.25M per season and considering his comparables are getting around $8M a season now, his contract is a steal.
Eriksson Ek is coming off of his best NHL season, having put up 61 points in 78 games. He thrives around the blue paint, much like a few other Leafs, including the aforementioned Tavares, as well as Matthew Knies and Tyler Bertuzzi. So far this season, Eriksson Ek has scored 15 goals, which puts him on pace for a career high 29 goals.
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Should the Leafs inquire about Eriksson Ek, the ask likely starts with one of Easton Cowan/Fraser Minten and a first round pick plus other pieces, which could also include the likes of Nick Robertson, who seems to have fallen out of favour with Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.
Minten and Cowan have been reported as untouchables in Toronto, but when a player like Eriksson Ek is available, sometimes you have to break your own rules to help the team win now.
At this point, no trusted insiders have mentioned the Leafs as a potential landing spot for Eriksson Ek, but the fit there is undeniable and a player like Eriksson Ek could definitely push the Leafs over the top come playoff time.
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| POLL |
14 JANVIER | 615 ANSWERS Western Conference team may have a perfect long-term fix for the Leafs at center Should the Leafs push to acquire Joel Eriksson Ek from Minnesota? |
| Yes, he would help significantly | 238 | 38.7 % |
| No, he would cost too much | 193 | 31.4 % |
| Not sure, don't know much about Eriksson Ek | 184 | 29.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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