Maple Leafs 'kicked tires' on Robert Thomas with 4 days to the trade deadline, per report
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According to Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs have kicked tires on Robert Thomas as the trade deadline creeps up on them without a clear direction.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs look towards the trade deadline, they are going to have a lot of decisions to make regarding who they are going to trade (if anyone) and what direction they are headed given that this year is pretty much a lost cause.
Selling at the deadline for some drat capital would be a great bit of business, but the team is also mulling their choices even with limited time. They really shouldn't be buying unless something happens to fall into their lap.
Toronto still in on Robert Thomas despite being labeled as sellers
Though that doesn't mean it won't stop them from trying, at least according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Dreger was on TSN's OverDrive and reported that the Maple Leafs have been in the market to buy even in their current situation, with them 'kicking tires' on St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas:
Lots of Robert Thomas speculation, Treliving and the #LeafsForever kicked tires on the player.
There has been a recent ramp up of speculation surrounding Thomas recently, with some reports believing he could be dealt ahead of the March 6th deadline.
Though Dreger didn't give any specifics into who the Maple Leafs would be dealing away to the Blues, it does bring an interesting caveat for a team whose playoff hopes are all but dashed.
Thomas would be great, but Toronto really can't afford him
Thomas, 26, would offer Toronto a star center in his prime while allowing them to move John Tavares down to the 3C; a role he may be a bit more comfortable with as he gets older.
Though he's struggled a bit this season with only 35 points in 43 games, he has dealt with injury issues and is historically a 20+ goal scorer who is more than capable of hitting 70+ points a year.
A very solid defender as well, Thomas wouldn't hinder the Maple Leafs and his elite face-off numbers will only benefit Toronto even more.
The one issue is what the cost is going to be, and how they can get Thomas' deal fit in.
He currently makes $8.125-million with full trade protection, so he would have to approve a deal first. Then it becomes what can Toronto afford to give away? Does Easton Cowan come into play? Do they trade their 2028 first-rounder in the hopes of accelerating the retool?
Then you need to find deals for a couple players who make a decent chunk of change, and with no real suitors that's easier said than done.
Right now, Toronto can't afford to give away any part of their future and it's not like St. Louis is in a position to win right now, so acquiring an expensive veteran isn't in their best interest.
As great as Thomas would be in blue and white, there's no easy way to bring him in without mortgaging the future; and as history has shown time and time again -- it doesn't work out well for the Maple Leafs.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 2|585 ANSWERS Maple Leafs 'kicked tires' on Robert Thomas with 4 days to the trade deadline, per report Should Toronto still try to trade for Robert Thomas despite being sellers? | ||
| Yes | 246 | 42.1 % |
| No | 339 | 57.9 % |
| List of polls | ||