Steven Stamkos' situation has sparked new discussion around a possible Maple Leafs fit
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A new update from Cam Robinson suggests the Maple Leafs were one of the teams discussed as a possible fit for Steven Stamkos.
Recent discussion around Nashville has raised questions about Stamkos' situation and whether a change could make sense. Stamkos was disatisfied with his situation, and the two parties may work a trade in order to give him a chance to play in the postseason in the later stages of his career.
With Nashville near the bottom of the standings, external speculation has naturally shifted toward what direction the team could take.
What the new report revealed about Steven Stamkos and the Maple Leafs
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects added onto the trade discussion with his appearance on the Sekeres & Price show on Tuesday.
Touching on Stamkos' availability, Robinson named several teams interested in the 2x Stanley Cup winner including the Toronto Maple Leafs:
If he did leave the first preference would be somewhere warm; first thing you think of is Panthers.
The other one I was thinking about too. Anaheim; the one I was told has maybe more than kicked the tires is Toronto.
The other one I was thinking about too. Anaheim; the one I was told has maybe more than kicked the tires is Toronto.
Given Matthews' injury and Toronto's search for stability, it's understandable why Stamkos' name has been discussed as a theoretical fit; something that Robinson elaborated on:
They're looking for a center, also somebody that can maybe make some plays off the wing; that one might have legs, I think we're most likely to see something later on in the season.
Why a potential fit in Toronto could make sense for both sides
Adding Stamkos would give the Maple Leafs yet another veteran leader and former captain who can join John Tavares in providing the wisdom that comes with a combined 35 years experience.
Him coming back to the Atlantic after captaining Tampa Bay for so long could create a new dynamic in the division, and would add to the two team's rivalry.
Although he is struggling offensively this season with only four points in 18 games (3 goals, 1 assist) he's a 2x Richard Trophy winner and has 585 goals and 1,194 points throughout his career.
He was noted previously that he wished to play with a center who could pass him the puck and find him in open space, and the Maple Leafs have enough playmakers to make that happen.
The aforementioned Tavares, as well as Auston Matthews, and William Nylander (though he's not a center) all have the ability to pass; Nylander and Tavares have 28 assists already this season.
It would allow Stamkos to succeed offensively, while also being able to represent his hometown however the Maple Leafs may have some difficulty navigating his cap situation -- he makes $8-million for the next three seasons including this one, so they need to have room now and in the future.
With a tough season staring them in the face, whether Toronto chooses to explore any option remains unknown, but Stamkos' situation is one that teams; including the Leafs will naturally monitor.
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