The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to improve their squad for next season, and general manager Kyle Dubas has reached out to a number of clubs to discuss a trade. The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the teams on the list, and the Leafs have contacted out to inquire about the cost of defender Seth Jones, according to sources close to the organization.
The Maple Leafs are dangling Morgan Rielly and Alexander Kerfoot to other clubs. Rielly's contract is up after this season, but Kerfoot is expected to be exposed to the Seattle Kraken, and the Leafs may trade him before then to earn something in return. It's unclear what type of package the Blue Jackets are looking for, but it's unlikely to include prospects, and the team is more likely looking for experienced NHL talent.
Rielly earned 35 points in 55 games this season, but struggled in the playoffs, and Leafs Nation told him so. When defenseman Jake Muzzin went down in Game 7, the former first-round selection was unable to stand up for the club. Kerfoot, who is 26 years old, has two years left on his deal, which pays him $3.5 million each year. In 56 games with the Leafs this season, he scored eight goals and added 23 points.
Jones has been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Anaheim Ducks, among others. Now that the Leafs have placed their name in the hat, we'll have to wait and watch how Jones, the Blue Jackets, and the Leafs fare this summer.
