Morgan Rielly-Steven Stamkos trade would solve the Maple Leafs' biggest roster problem

A Morgan Rielly and Steven Stamkos swap seems crazy, but it's a move that could help both sides as they look to continue making changes to their lineup.

There's been a lot of talk this summer about Morgan Rielly and his future with the Maple Leafs. We've heard reports he is willing to work towards a deal with the team, then he was seen as part of the solution, then they ended up getting word that Rielly is open to expanding his options.

Moving him isn't easy, and unless you find a team willing to take on his $7.5-million deal, then it's going to be tough. Factor in that he controls his fate, and the odds of a trade happening become slimmer and slimmer.

Though there is a solution that not only brings the Maple Leafs relief when it comes to Rielly's deal, but it allows them to add that top-six force they're looking for - and a pretty good one at that.

Steven Stamkos provides the Maple Leafs everything they need in the top-six

There could be a world where Rielly and Steven Stamkos switch spots, as the former needs a change of scenery and the latter is on a Predators team who is going through a lot of changes. Stamkos adds that top-six powerhouse the Leafs lack, and Rielly would help give Roman Josi some much needed relief on the backend.

Stamkos is older at 36-years-old but there's no signs of him slowing down. He just put up a 42-goal season in Nashville while still continuing his elite face-off numbers while adding a very respectable 89 hits.

The two-time Cup winner has 1,256 points in 1,246 games (624 goals, 632 assists) while adding over a 50% face-off win percentage (nearly 14,000 taken) and over 1,300 hits. He's been a superstar since he came in, and minus some injury concerns earlier - has been durable and reliable.

Adding Stamkos would give the first or second line some ridiculous talent and the potential to have Stamkos, Auston Matthews, and Gavin McKenna working together on the same line is teetering on video game-esque.

Working out both men's deals is going to be the most difficult part of a Rielly-Stamkos deal

The money works too, as Stamkos only makes $500,000 more than Rielly per year, and comes with much less of a commitment; matching that win-now two-year window.

However, the team needs to decide whether or not they want to replace Rielly's decent puck-moving ability for more scoring. He's not bad and can still add some offensive help so long as he's not a #1. There's a place for him in Toronto but not at the forefront.

Obviously Rielly needs to agree to head there as does Stamkos, but with Rielly wanting to head out west and away from the spotlight, and Stamkos getting a chance to win in his hometown basically - the pieces are there to get them to waive.

Toronto may need to add a bit to the deal to get Nashville truly convinced about trading a 40-goal scorer, but they're getting a player five years younger who is technically cheaper and has the potential to be a great supplemental piece to Roman Josi.

So while there's nothing concrete, there is a deal to be had here. The only question is if either team gets permission to pull the trigger.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Auston Matthews' reported deadline for the Maple Leafs has officially arrived