Analyst Drops Spicy Maple Leafs Hot Take Which is Sure to Raise More Than a Few Eyebrows

The Leafs have started strong after the 4 Nations Face-Off, winning both matchups since their return against Carolina and Chicago. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs fast approaching, the team is looking to test out their new style of hockey under head coach Craig Berube.

Berube's coaching style is built around players who embody his tough, hard-nosed approach, and Colton Parayko, fresh off a victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament with Canada, is the perfect fit.

Nick Kypreos raised an interesting question on Sportsnet 590 The FAN on Monday:

To the surprise of just about everyone in Toronto, his co-host, Justin Bourne, revealed that he'd rather have Parayko, confirming that if he was GM of the Leafs, he'd do a 1-for-1 deal, Parayko for Knies. He also acknowledged that it's not so simple, given the salary cap implications.

While it's clear the Leafs are looking to make a move to bolster their roster, a Knies for Parayko deal does not accomplish what they're looking to accomplish.

On the surface, Parayko would certainly be a strong addition to Toronto's lineup. But there's a catch; if the Leafs trade away Knies, who will fill his spot on the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner? Knies has been the perfect complement to that duo, and currently, no other player on the roster could step into that role.

Additionally, Knies is still on his rookie deal paying him $925K per season, making him an affordable asset for a Leafs team already up against the salary cap.

While adding a player like Parayko would undoubtedly benefit the Leafs, it needs to make sense within the context of their current roster. So, as much as Nick Kypreos might advocate for the addition of Parayko, and as much as Bourne would take a 1-for-1 deal for Parayko, trading away Knies is certainly not the best move for the Leafs at this moment.