Maple Leafs Floated as Landing Spot for $22M Forward in Trade Scenario
Photo credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe in a new trade proposal as the team looks for their big top-six addition.
With the discussion this summer being who the Maple Leafs are going to bring in as a top-six forward (or one in general) there have been tons of names thrown about including Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Jared McCann, Nazem Kadri, and Artemi Panarin.
However one name that has floated around as a potential trade piece in general is Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe.
An unrestricted free agent at season's end, Kempe has grown into a very consistent and reliable player who is no doubt going to get a hefty pay increase from his current $5.5-million deal.
Though he and the Kings are a bit away in terms of negotiations, there's a good likelihood that he re-signs. However, nothing is guaranteed and if new GM Ken Holland decides he wants to move on, Kempe is a prime asset to recoup some value.
What Toronto Would Have to Give Up in This Hypothetical Trade
Which is why a trade proposal floating around has brought some intrigue, as it has the Maple Leafs acquiring Kempe for a package revolving around Nick Robertson.
Heavy.com put out an article that has Robertson, Bobby McMann and a 2027 second-round pick going to Los Angeles in exchange for Kempe and their reasoning is fairly sound:
Adding Adrian Kempe instantly fills a massive hole in the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line. It's almost a certainty that Kempe will get a shot with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.
Kempe's defensive presence and playmaking skills make him a much better upgrade over someone like Matias Maccelli.
While Kempe wouldn't be a replacement for Mitch Marner necessarily, the 28-year-old would provide the sort of balance the Maple Leafs had with Marner. That's something the Leafs would need moving forward.
Kempe's defensive presence and playmaking skills make him a much better upgrade over someone like Matias Maccelli.
While Kempe wouldn't be a replacement for Mitch Marner necessarily, the 28-year-old would provide the sort of balance the Maple Leafs had with Marner. That's something the Leafs would need moving forward.
It makes a lot of sense, given that Kempe has averaged 21.5 goals, 23 assists, 84 hits, and great possession metrics plus he's averaging over a point per game in the postseason (29 points in 28 games).
What Toronto Would Have to Give Up in This Hypothetical Trade
Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs (or maybe fortunately) they lose out on Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann. In the case of the former, he's already on the fence when it comes to his spot and could have some serious competition this fall.
McMann is a proven 20-goal scorer but is prone to inconsistency and was a non-factor in the playoffs and the Leafs have more than enough bodies to replace his play.
The one caveat in this is Toronto signing Kempe long-term, but if they wanted to treat this trade as their 'summer splash' as opposed to free agency they could entice him with a luxurious extension.
Paying $9.5 to $10-million per season for essentially a Mitch Marner-lite and someone who also fits the size profile at 6'2, 200 pounds; he's bigger, he hits more and is just a smidge below Marner offensively; it's a great investment.
So we need to wait and see how the Kings handle Kempe going forward, because the Maple Leafs could have the perfect opportunity to scoop him up out of nowhere.
TRENDING NOW
