New Update Emerges on $92M Defenseman Trade Talks as Maple Leafs Monitoring Situation Closely
Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
A new update from Chris Johnston regarding Erik Karlsson shows that the Maple Leafs should be keeping a close eye on things as trade talks heat up.
As the Maple Leafs look to bring in some help this summer, there's a chance they may look to add a top-six forward or improve on their blueline to add some more offensive punch.
In terms of players up front, Nazem Kadri, Jared McCann, Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn are all potential names who have been linked to the team, and on the back end we've heard lots about Dougie Hamilton and Erik Karlsson.
Erik Karlsson's trade rumors heating up
With regards to the latter, Karlsson has been thrown about in trade rumors not only with Toronto but with other teams like Calgary; seeing as they might want to do a swap with fellow Swede Rasmus Andersson.
But he's still elite even at his age, and while Pittsburgh is moving slowly in a different direction, he can still contribute and help bridge the gap, which is why a new report shows they may be in no rush to move him.
According to Chris Johnston on The CJ Show, Karlsson's trade potential isn't an immediate focus for Kyle Dubas, and he's got no reason to rush a deal right now:
Kyle Dubas is not under particular pressure to have to do something; I think a Karlsson trade is possible, but the Penguins aren't just giving him away.
While it would be a bit wild to see the Penguins wave the white flag with Karlsson and get rid of him for nothing, there are teams out there who have the money and assets necessary and the Leafs are one of them.
Karlsson in; Rielly out: How Toronto can make a trade for Penguins defenseman
We're not talking about Easton Cowan or Ben Danford however, this is in the same vein as Calgary, where Toronto acquires Karlsson for defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Rielly has been in trade talks for a bit now, and with Toronto wanting to add more offense to their back end, Karlsson offers a huge improvement over Rielly, even if he's older.
Karlsson, 35, had 53 points in 82 games for the Penguins last season, but is only two years removed from a 25-goal, 101-point season where he captured his third Norris Trophy.
No stranger to the Leafs, Karlsson has carved out a Hall of Fame career even though the Cup has eluded him thus far. In 1,084 games, Karlsson has 870 points (200 goals, 670 assists) with Ottawa, San Jose, and Pittsburgh.
While losing Rielly would be an issue in terms of the team losing not only their longest tenured player, but a huge chunk of their identity; but with Brad Treliving wanting to change the DNA of the team.
He'll just need to make it worth Kyle Dubas' while.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 14 | 1511 ANSWERS New Update Emerges on $92M Defenseman Trade Talks as Maple Leafs Monitoring Situation Closely Do you think the trade talks regarding Erik Karlsson will lead to a trade? | ||
| Yes | 531 | 35.1 % |
| No | 980 | 64.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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