Trade Emerges Bringing a Hometown Stud to the Leafs
The Maple Leafs will need to replace Michael Bunting in their top six and could target a hometown star to play on the wing of Auston Matthews.
Hometown Star Makes Perfect Sense For Leafs
The Philadelphia Flyers are open for business with essentially every player on their team available on the trade block. With that, it has led to players being linked to the Leafs and specifically their star player, Travis Konecny.
Konecny is coming off a season where he scored 31 goals and had 61 points in 60 games. This is a 41-goal 84-point pace over an 82-game season. This has led to many considering him one of, if not the most valuable Flyers asset.
His style of play brings physicality and he is not afraid to go to the dirty areas. Born in London Ontario, Konecny would be an ideal hometown candidate for the Leafs who would likely want to be in the organization for years.
Mock trades bringing Konecny to Toronto have emerged recently and this is one we have created.
Trade Analysis
The Flyers would be getting the 28th pick in this year's draft, a 5th-round pick in this year's draft, and a third-round pick next year. The 28th pick this year holds more value than most other years considering how deep the draft is. The 2015 draft (arguably the best draft in NHL history) and the 2023 draft are viewed as of a similar caliber. In 2015 players such as Anthony Beauvillier, Sebastian Aho, and Brandon Carlo went in the 28-38 range. While it is no guarantee the Flyers will draft a player like that, the chances are much higher than regular.
In addition to these picks, the Flyers are also getting Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson. Robertson was a 2nd round pick back in 2019 and just has not managed to stay healthy. He has posted fantastic numbers in the AHL but has not managed to have a season over 31 games since turning pro. If Nick Robertson is able to stay healthy, he could be better than his brother, Jason.
Jarnkrok is a very solid middle-six forward. Coming off a 39-point season, Jarnkrok is a nice addition to any team. He can be a short-term replacement for Konecny and mentor young stars for Philly.
All in all, it is a very even deal that helps both teams with the direction their franchises are heading to.
| POLL | ||
Who wins the mock trade? | ||
| Toronto | 749 | 42.4 % |
| Philadelphia | 691 | 39.1 % |
| Fair Trade | 326 | 18.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
