New Roster Update Puts Spotlight on Calle Jarnkrok's Future With the Leafs
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
According to The Fourth Period in a recent article, the Maple Leafs are aware that Calle Jarnkrok doesn't have many suitors, but are still looking to deal him away.
With the Maple Leafs still trying to make a move before the start of the preseason, it's not just who they are bringing in but who they are able to ship out, given they brought in a slew of new faces that are clearly replacements in a Craig Berube-led system.
David Kampf has been subject to heavy rumors, so too is Calle Jarnkrok. The latter is actually willing to be moved, whether it be for the sake of his own career, the Maple Leafs' future or a bit of both.
Toronto wants to get rid of Calle Jarnkrok: Anyone wanna buy?
But so far, the team has come up empty handed when finding a potential buyer for Jarnkrok. There's nothing wrong with his game, but he doesn't fit in with the current way things go in Toronto, and he could flourish elsewhere.
According to The Fourth Period however, though they haven't found buyers: They are still looking for one:
As the Leafs try to shed salary and create roster space for other moves, Jarnkrok joins Kampf and Robertson on the Summer Trade Watch List. He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn't been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.
That $2.1-million cap hit actually only equates to a $775,000 base salary, and with his two-way game and veteran leadership; he'd be perfect for an on the cusp contender.
However, a 10-team no trade clause is an issue (and has been for the Leafs consistently) and it'll be more a matter of Toronto working with Jarnkrok than vice versa in order to get a deal worked out.
Jarnkrok looking to rebound, perhaps Toronto should keep him around
Jarnkrok only skated in 19 games last season for the Maple Leafs in the regular season due to recovery from sports hernia surgery; and there's something to be said about that.
A full season with a healthy Jarnkrok is a very reliable option, and he's shown in the past he can produce.
In his three seasons with Toronto, he has 67 points in 144 games (31 goals, 36 assists) including a surprising 20-goal season upon his arrival, but fell out of favor with Craig Berube and wasn't utilized much going forward.
It's actually a bit refreshing to hear that both sides are trying to work out a deal despite the lack of interest.
For Calle Jarnkrok, he deserves a chance to play and revive his career after nearly losing it. Toronto deserves to move on and really instil their DNA change.
Hopefully someone can make it happen.
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