If the Maple Leafs want to acquire Simon Edvinsson they certainly can do so, but they have to be aware of the fact that he's going to be an expensive acquisition.
There's been reports that not only does Simon Edvinsson want out of Detroit given his contract stalemate, but that teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs are keenly interested in what it would take to acquire the young defender.
According to sources, the Red Wings would prefer NHL-ready players though they are open to the right futures package if it entices them enough. Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is more than willing to pull the trigger, so it wouldn't be shocking to see him make a move to bring Edvinsson north.
Edvinsson's contract is the hardest part of acquiring him
But if he does end up bringing him in, it's not just the price of the trade package that is going to cost a fair amount - it's the contract that comes with it.
Frank Seravalli reports that Edvinsson's camp was looking at roughly $9M AAV which is a stark contrast from what the Red Wings have been offering:
Their initial asks I think were...in that 9 million range; I don't even think [Edvinsson's camp] got to the ask...because the Red Wings had lowballed so significantly, I think they started in the 6 [million] range.
That's a horrible undersell for Edvinsson and with how the Red Wings are currently structured - with a lot of disarray from the front office to the captain - it's understandable why he'd feel like this lowball offer was more proof of mismanagement.
Taking a look at all the contracts that were signed over the last few months, it would be crazy for Edvinsson to take less than he values himself.
Why Toronto should break the bank to pay Edvinsson what he's worth
Tristan Luneau just earned a $7.2M extension from the Anaheim Ducks after five points in 17 games, so you'd think Edvinsson with his fantastic shutdown protection would at least earn that much but likely more. There's no way that Edvinsson would feel good about taking less money for better production.
Which is why the Maple Leafs need to entertain signing him for what he feels he's worth. They aren't just adding a shutdown defender, but one who is only 23 years old, adds the perfect complement for Darren Raddysh, and would allow the Maple Leafs to better spread out their defensive structure.
The team won't have Chris Tanev forever, and Jake McCabe while signed long-term - is also getting older. If the team doesn't just want to rely on Ben Danford as their next shutdown guy, then Edvinsson makes for a perfect target for the Maple Leafs.
They just have to be aware that of they get him, they are investing a lot into him and has history has shown - sometimes the investment in the blue line doesn't pay off.
Do you think the Maple Leafs should trade for Simon Edvinsson regardless of the cost?
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