Elliotte Friedman Shares Update on Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Mikael Granlund

Granlund was traded to the Stars during the regular season from the San Jose Sharks in a deal alongside former Leafs defenseman Cody Ceci, Granlund having played 31 games this season for Dallas.

After his short stint in Dallas, the Stars front office wishes to keep Granlund a member of the organization, and wishes to re-sign him.

Sportsnet Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman reported on '32 Thoughts' that GM Jim Nill has a tough decision for Dallas in that they want to bring Granlund back, and if they can afford to.

The Dallas Stars have just under $5M in available cap space for next season according to PuckPedia, meaning they are in a tight financial squeeze.

The projected contract for Mikael Granlund for next season, according to AFP Analytics? Just under $5M. Dallas currently has just eight forwards under contract.

The Dallas Stars as it stands right now cannot afford to sign Mikael Granlund, or anyone for that matter. Their financial situation is so dire they couldn't even fit in signing anyone for more than league minimum without someone heading out.

It's of no surprise with this cap crunch that star forward Jason Robertson is being discussed as a potential departure to be able to sign players in free agency, as keeping the roster intact is financially impossible.

Dallas could also move out one of Matt Dumba or Ilya Lyubushkin, but to sign Granlund to his worth, Robertson may the casualty in this situation, one that puts Dallas in a very tough place.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could make the situation very interesting for the Dallas Stars.

The Leafs, rumored to be moving on from star winger Mitch Marner, would have a very easy fill in Jason Robertson, who would easily slot into Marner's role.

Robertson could feel comfortable in Toronto as his brother, Nick, is a member of the team, but currently an RFA. The Leafs may be willing to sign him if it means acquiring Jason.

As well, the Leafs could be a team to take a look at Granlund if Dallas can't make it work financially and don't want to offload Robertson.

The signing of Granlund could be both a Marner or Tavares replacement, with veteran experience and a solid playoff performer.

Granlund had 22 goals, 44 assists, & 66 points this season with San Jose & Dallas, as well as 10 points in 18 playoff games with the Stars.

The acquistion of either Jason Robertson or Mikael Granlund would provide a sizable offensive punch for the Leafs forward core, and would instantly make the team be able to move into it's new identity with a clear star option.