Maple Leafs are showcasing a versatile veteran forward who could become a trade chip
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have a bargaining chip when it comes a potential trade as Calle Jarnkrok's usage has increased in key situations, and looking like a versatile piece contenders value.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs struggle early on this season, there is still some hope for the team that they can pick things up and they can end up getting back to the top of the Atlantic Division albeit with a lot more difficulty than last year.
They are in the midst of trying to forge a new identity and while there are positives for sure, there are often glaring negatives that we can take away from things so far this season.
One player who started off the season hot but has cooled down recently is Calle Jarnkrok, although he is starting to get premium time on the top line alongside John Tavares.
However, that could be by design.
How Calle Jarnkrok is suddenly being used in every situation for the Maple Leafs
If the Maple Leafs end up deciding to wave the white flag this year, they could consider selling off some assets in order to help their future prospects either through drafting or using those pieces to bring in another player.
He's not the most expensive option on the market, and if you look at what Jarnkrok can offer -- it makes sense why there would be interest.
Jarnkrok, 33, is older no doubt however he is as wise as any veteran and has been around the game long enough to help out where he's needed.
You'll get a player who can give you roughly 10-15 goals, 25-30 points, plays both wing and center, plays both special teams units, is defensively savvy, has a ton of playoff experience and play anywhere in the lineup.
He's shown that he can hang with some of the best players in the league, while also running his own line down the lineup and being able to provide staunch defense while contributing some lower-tier offense.
What Calle Jarnkrok's versatility could fetch the Maple Leafs on the trade market
There's no shortage of contenders who could use a player like that and given that the NHL this season seems to be plagued by a slew of injuries, adding a cheap Swiss Army knife of a player is a very enticing proposal.
A couple things going in Toronto's favor is that a) Jarnkrok's actual cash payout this season is low, and his cap hit is manageable for contenders, and b) team's don't have to worry about a commitment given he'll be a free agent in the summer.
Are they going to get anything prime from a team? No, but a desperate team who needs insurance come playoff time may be willing to pay a bit more. Toronto could feasibly get themselves either a second or third round pick depending on the team.
In addition to that, a team like the Canadiens -- who are chock full of prospects and need a versatile forward, might be willing to actually work with their rivals and try to find a deal that suits both parties which would be a rarity.
Either way you slice it, Calle Jarnkrok is a great fit for the Maple Leafs or a contender. However with the way that Toronto is conducting themselves, perhaps getting as much as they can while the iron is still hot is the best way to go about their business.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 22|1346 ANSWERS Maple Leafs are showcasing a versatile veteran forward who could become a trade chip Should Toronto trade Calle Jarnkrok? | ||
| Yes | 1037 | 77 % |
| No | 309 | 23 % |
| List of polls | ||