Maple Leafs' Trade Hopes Take Hit as Rival Team Refuses to Move Top-Six Forward
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According to Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers are unwilling to deal top-six forward Evan Rodrigues, meaning the Toronto Maple Leafs lose out on another prime target.
With all the discussions and rumors surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and who they might bring in as their final piece of the puzzle and solidify their top-six but the question still remains who and how much it'll cost.
They were linked to several names like Bryan Rust, Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Rickard Rakell, Jared McCann and pretty much every name under the sun.
Florida Slams the Door on Evan Rodrigues Trade Talks
But one who they were initially linked to who we haven't heard much noise about is Florida's Evan Rodrigues, who could certainly add that top-six punch and would be no stranger to the team considering their recent history.
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman however, the Panthers aren't too privy on making any type of deal involving Rodrigues:
Fans have wondered if Florida would have to trade someone like Evan Rodrigues; I don't believe that's gonna be happening.
It makes complete sense from the Panthers perspective give that they are likely going to be without Matthew Tkachuk for the majority of the season after he deals with some serious injuries.
Why would the team want to get rid of someone who will give them 15-20 goals, 100+ hits, and play solid defense? Unless the return is for someone who can replace Tkachuk's level of offense, they are gonna keep him.
Why Toronto Needs to Make a Move Before It's Too Late
Which means the Maple Leafs lose another potential trade target and while they have options, they need to open up some more cap and roster space and need to facilitate a deal for David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok soon.
There is a chance the team pursues someone like Jack Roslovic or Victor Olofsson in free agency if they can't get a trade for a forward but that still doesn't solve their Kampf/Jarnkrok issue, and fans may very well see either man in the lineup come October.
Without a chance at Rodrigues, he'll get his opportunity to show Florida exactly why they decided to hang onto him, though if he doesn't help weather the storm in the wake of Tkachuk's absence...he could be back on the block come March.
And don't expect the Maple Leafs to ignore him if he does.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 1582 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Trade Hopes Take Hit as Rival Team Refuses to Move Top-Six Forward Do you think Brad Treliving is going to make a trade for a top-six forward? | ||
| Yes | 1180 | 74.6 % |
| No | 402 | 25.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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