Reporter Hints Maple Leafs Could Be Preparing a Trade Fans Won't See Coming
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
NHL analyst and reporter Kevin Papetti believes that the Maple Leafs might be preparing to trade one of their surplus goaltenders as a way to add to their lineup.
With a lot of talk about how
the DNA of the Maple Leafs is going to change next season, the possibilities of trading some forwards or bloated deals and bringing in some cheap free agents will be more than enough to make things look and feel different.
Toronto should trade a goaltender for offensive help: Kevin Papetti
But if you're analyst Kevin Papetti, you might look to your surplus of goaltending prospects in order to help:
The more I think about the Leafs offseason, the more I wonder if they'll trade a goalie.
There's obvious risk involved, but contending teams rarely keep that much value in the backup goaltender spot.
It's a clear path to adding a good forward on a team-friendly deal.
It's actually one of the small positives in terms of the Leafs assets, as they have upwards of five goaltenders they could discuss deals with, but who makes the most sense?
I know it sounds crazy to trade away your young homegrown goaltender with a very team friendly extension, and maybe that's a desperation move, but there are some concerns going forward.
Woll has been injured quite a bit, and while he's reliable and consistent, hasn't reached that elite level of goaltender just yet. He's prone to being streaky, and though he can put up some big saves late, when it's earlier on he seems to struggle.
While the latter two are a year or two away, Hildeby is teetering on the cusp of being an NHL-level backup, and if you're putting your faith in Stolarz; then Hildeby is the closest bet to a in-system backup.
However, they could also trade Hildeby to a team desperate for a young goaltender of the future. Teams like Buffalo could absolutely use help in net, and if they are desperate enough; might be willing to part with some of their younger players.
The team also has Akhtyamov and Peksa as potential trade pieces, though the former has been getting a lot of praise for his ability to transition to a North American game, though they won't fetch a ton of return compared to Woll or Hildeby.
It's a different way for Brad Treliving to go about changing the DNA of the Leafs, then perhaps pulling from his litany of goalies is enough to get him there.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
POLL |
JUIN 8 | 540 ANSWERS Reporter Hints Maple Leafs Could Be Preparing a Trade Fans Won't See Coming Which goalie should Toronto think of trading? |
Anthony Stolarz | 22 | 4.1 % |
Joseph Woll | 219 | 40.6 % |
Artur Akhtyamov | 94 | 17.4 % |
Dennis Hildeby | 205 | 38 % |
List of polls |