Maple Leafs Are Actively Shopping Two Players, Including a Former Top Prospect
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to trade both David Kampf and Nick Robertson as they look to open up some cap space.
There's been a lot of discussion this past offseason about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their desire to make some type of trade for one of their heftier deals. They managed to dump Ryan Reaves with a bit of luck, but are still holding onto a combined $4.2-million in Nick Robertson and David Kampf.
it's a lot of money for two players who aren't making an impact (especially Kampf) and that money would be better utilized elsewhere.
Having waived Kampf then assigning him to the Toronto Marlies (AHL), they cleared up some space but he's floundering there too, dealing with injuries, and the team would love to cut ties.
Robertson's case is different, as he has had ample time to showcase his talents and hasn't lived up to the expectations, and Toronto would love a new face especially at the price tag he's commanding.
Insider Reveals Toronto's Trade Plans For David Kampf and Nick Robertson
So it's not too surprising to hear that the team has been looking to make moves, according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger.
Dreger appeared on TSN's Insider Trading segment on Thursday and explained that Brad Treliving is working towards trying to find a trade partner for both Kampf and Robertson:
We know that GM Brad Treliving continues to explore the idea of moving both David Kampf and Nick Robertson.
Now, the veteran David Kampf, who's in the American Hockey League, it's more about just getting off the money.
For Nick Robertson, this guy is a bottom-six, he's a top-six, he's in the press box, he's scoring goals. He's a young guy who the Toronto Maple Leafs have time for and they are in no rush to move him out.
If they were to get the right sort of return for Nick Robertson, it would be a player of a similar age. That's why it's difficult when you're talking about trade scenarios around a young guy like Robertson.
Now, the veteran David Kampf, who's in the American Hockey League, it's more about just getting off the money.
For Nick Robertson, this guy is a bottom-six, he's a top-six, he's in the press box, he's scoring goals. He's a young guy who the Toronto Maple Leafs have time for and they are in no rush to move him out.
If they were to get the right sort of return for Nick Robertson, it would be a player of a similar age. That's why it's difficult when you're talking about trade scenarios around a young guy like Robertson.
Not too shocking about the reasoning behind Kampf, as he is 30 and making way too much money for a fourth-liner let alone an AHL level talent and at this point getting what they can for him is the best bet.
Nick Robertson's Situation Is More Complicated Than It Looks
For Robertson, trying to find another 24-year old who is on the outs but seemingly is not being forced out the door is harder though they have an option they just got a good look at.
Out in Columbus, Yegor Chinakhov fits the bill in terms of age, potential, skillset, but he's also 6'1, 203 pounds so will bring a much bigger presence that Robertson.
But he's slowly been playing himself well enough to either a) earn a consistent spot or b) get traded for a more lucrative package.
Or if they were to trade within the division, they may swap Robertson for Detroit's Jonatan Berggren, who is a flashy winger but hasn't found his footing much like Robertson and is in the same contract situation.
There's also always a chance Robertson ends up breaking out and being more consistent too, and Toronto would love to keep a player who has finally show them that patience pays off.
Getting rid of at least one of these players matters because it gives the team just that added amount of flexibility come the trade deadline, which could push them over the top come postseason time.
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