Toronto Winger Scratched: Recent Move Hints At An Incoming Trade By Brad Treliving And The Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been involved in many trade rumors in the early going this season as the team has stumbled out of the starting gate. Now a move seems like it might actually be happening as the team gave a big hint that something is going on when the Marlies announced their starting lineup tonight.

McMann Held From Marlies Game For Trade Related Reasons

The Toronto Marlies, the Leafs AHL affiliate play the Grand Rapids Griffins tonight. When the team announced the starting lineup there was one major surprise. Forward Bobby McMann was held from the game for 'precautionary reasons.' While that could indicate he is dealing with a minor injury, the more likely story is that the Leafs are in trade talks with someone and McMann is part of the trade package.

Leafs Scratch Top Defenseman Klingberg

Notably, the Leafs also play tonight. While there were no major surprises with the lineup, one notable player was scratched. That would be defenseman John Klingberg. Keefe has pointed to the fact that the veteran defenseman has been dealing with a minor injury so that could be part of the reason why he's been benched. Klingberg has also been terrible defensively while not really adding as much offense as the team would have hoped.


That being said, he could also be a key piece involved in a trade if the Leafs are looking to upgrade on the backend. Salary would likely have to go the other way and Klingberg's one-year deal makes for an ideal cap dump for another team.