Insider Links Two Maple Leafs Trade Targets in Latest Report
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
NHL Insider Jeff Marek put forth a report that named both Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson as potential trade targets for the Dallas Stars as old rumors reappear.
Although the preseason is well underway, that doesn't mean that trade rumors are going to be on the back burner, as teams are still looking to add some more pieces right before the beginning of the season.
Two names who got a lot of attention this summer were Calgary's Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson. The former has been linked to his old club Toronto, meanwhile Andersson has been closely associated with Vegas over the past few months.
While nothing has materialized and GM Craig Conroy would much more enjoy having both players than not, if things go south then he might be willing to sell.
Jeff Marek Connects Kadri and Andersson to Ongoing Trade Talk
But to who remains the big question, as in addition to the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights, we've got teams like Florida, Edmonton, Colorado, and more who could be putting their names in the hat at a chance to bring in either man.
According to NHL Insider Jeff Marek, there's another contender who is definitely looking to make a push: the Dallas Stars.
On a recent episode of his podcast The Sheet, Marek named the Texas-based team as names to watch in the sweepstakes for either player this year:
Dallas' name is gonna be attached to Kadri again, it's gonna be attached to Rasmus Andersson again
Dallas is certainly loaded this season with Mikko Rantanen firmly set to help lead the Stars alongside Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, Miro Heiskanen, and Wyatt Johnston.
Adding Kadri up front would give them even more firepower with proven playoff production, meanwhile Andersson could give them that solid shutdown player they need alongside Thomas Harley; a scary duo no doubt.
Why a Kadri or Andersson Move Could Shake Up Toronto's Lineup
Even though the Stars are going to be active in looking to make a deal, so too is Calgary's former GM and current Maple Leafs front office head honcho Brad Treliving.
He has history with both men, as he signed Kadri to his massive seven-year, $49-million deal, and drafted Andersson 53rd overall in 2015 and watched him turn into a star.
Either player would give Toronto a massive boost to the lineup while also firmly ensuring their identity change goes smoothly.
Kadri is no stranger to the Maple Leafs, being drafted 7th overall in 2009 and spending a decade with the team.
He skated in 561 games for the team, registering 357 points (161 goals, 196 assists) but really took off after leaving.
In 424 games with Colorado and Calgary he's put up 353 points (146 goals, 207 assists) including an 87-point season in 2021 when he helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup.
He was shipped out unceremoniously however that was the old guard and with Kadri never losing love for his old team; the rumors have a bit more smoke to them.
He would instantly give Toronto a top-six center capable of replacing John Tavares, shifting him to the wing, and actually give the team someone who not only won a Stanley Cup, but has transformed into an elite two-way forward.
Andersson on the other hand would be a vast improvement over Brandon Carlo in terms of a partner for Morgan Rielly.
A true shutdown defender, Andersson has 231 points in 536 games (47 goals, 184 assists) however where he shines is his shot-blocking ability; he has 889 blocks which equates to 1.65 blocks a game.
Plus it would allow the team to either trade him to open up cap space, or put him on the right side beside Oliver Ekman-Larsson and let him find his footing on offense again.
With Andersson a free agent next summer, if he doesn't sign an extension shortly with Calgary, odds are he isn't going to, and the Flames would certainly prefer to dump his remaining year off for some assets.
That doesn't necessarily make it a slam dunk that Toronto can end up acquiring him but it makes it a bit easier to negotiate.
So while the trade rumors still seemingly run rampant when it comes to Calgary's two veterans, the inclusion of the Dallas Stars adds a new dynamic to an already tough situation for the Maple Leafs.
But this is the NHL after all, and you never know what can happen on any given day.
| POLL | ||
23 HOURS AGO | 472 ANSWERS Insider Links Two Maple Leafs Trade Targets in Latest Report Who is the likelier trade candidate between Kadri and Andersson? | ||
TRENDING NOW
