Insider reports that a number of teams are interested in Alex Kerfoot
Entering the final year of his contract that will carry a $3.5M cap hit, Alexander Kerfoot may find himself on his way out of Toronto before next summer.
The versatile forward can play all three positions up and down the lineup, play the powerplay in a pinch and is a primary penalty killer and is a Keefe and Dubas favourite.
Given the cap constraints that the Leafs may face if the prices are higher than expected in free agency, Kerfoot is a prime candidate to be traded this off-season.
Kerfoot is coming off of a career high 51 points last season while skating in all 82 games for the Leafs and his trade value may never be higher than it is right now. That is of course until you look a little deeper into his underlying numbers and realize that he's not exactly doing his linemates any favours.
It's time to move on from Alex Kerfoot; His negative impacts cannot be ignored any longer
As Frank Seravalli reported on SN590 today:
Essentially, the Leafs could start a bidding war between a few teams and get a return greater than anyone might expect for a middle six forward.
Keep in mind though that Kerfoot does have a 10 team no trade list, so Dubas will be somewhat limited in options depending on the level of interest. What that return would look like is unknown, but don't expect it to be a first round pick or top prospect.
Should Dubas move Kerfoot, he could also get another versatile forward that does what Kerfoot does for a cheaper price or another defenseman so that Justin Holl can be sent packing.
A Kerfoot trade would likely occur later into the free agency period after teams strike out on whichever free agents they covet. Trading Kerfoot later in the off-season would also allow Dubas to better understand where and if Kerfoot would fit into the Leafs' forward group should he remain in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
12 JUILLET | 415 ANSWERS Insider reports that a number of teams are interested in Alex Kerfoot Will Alex Kerfoot start the season as a Leaf? | ||
| Yes | 172 | 41.4 % |
| No | 243 | 58.6 % |
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