Elliotte Friedman: Maple Leafs' Trade Target Becomes Unavailable
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson is off the table when it comes to a potential trade offer.
While there are several avenues the Maple Leafs can use in order to switch things up next season, and no doubt the free agent market is going to be heavily utilized, so too will the trade market.
Several teams are looking for cap space, and with Toronto a bit bashful on potentially making a big signing, it could kill two birds with one stone.
William Karlsson off the market for the Maple Leafs
One name who could have helped out a lot is veteran center William Karlsson, who was in talks to potentially be shipped out of Vegas in order to make some cap space for a premium free agent.
Scoring only nine goals this season, Karlsson dealt with injuries and never got too comfortable this year. But when he's on the ice, he can be a very solid two-way player; he has 446 points in 738 games (179G, 267A) with Anaheim, Columbus, and Vegas.
But according to Elliotte Friedman on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, the forward doesn't seem likely to be leaving Sin City this summer:
So, again. I always want stress this, for those who follow hockey, there's a lot of craziness going on and it's hard to separate fact from fiction. I'm not fighting anyone who has his name out there but I don't know where it's coming from.
But I'm getting a lot of push back from teams about Karlsson. I don't know about Vegas but it's always possible they are talking to one or two specific teams about him I haven't found.
But I've asked a few people about Karlsson and they are under the impression he's not available and in a couple of cases, they asked about it and were told no. While they didn't explicitly state that, that's the vibe I was getting.
There are only 10-15 guys who are untouchable in the league but I asked around about Karlsson and the people I speak to told me they had no indication Vegas was willing to do it. If he is available, there isn't a situation I have found yet. - Elliotte Friedman
But I'm getting a lot of push back from teams about Karlsson. I don't know about Vegas but it's always possible they are talking to one or two specific teams about him I haven't found.
But I've asked a few people about Karlsson and they are under the impression he's not available and in a couple of cases, they asked about it and were told no. While they didn't explicitly state that, that's the vibe I was getting.
There are only 10-15 guys who are untouchable in the league but I asked around about Karlsson and the people I speak to told me they had no indication Vegas was willing to do it. If he is available, there isn't a situation I have found yet. - Elliotte Friedman
It's pouring some ice cold water on the rumors, and a bit unfortunate for the Maple Leafs, but can they still get a move done?
Toronto needs to target cheap options, potentially move on from bloated contracts
If Brad Treliving really wants to change his team's DNA without breaking the bank, there are several smaller moves they could make.
Starting by getting rid of some of their unsightly deals could help. Morgan Rielly's $7.5M per year stipend could be on the move, but it's more than likely guys like David Kampf and Max Domi are going to be casualties of a trade.
Both men are making respectable money, but are part of a Leafs regime that's out the door, and with a lack of production and a new mindset; they might not fit in anymore.
Craig Berube already benched Kampf for the playoffs, and Domi has been up and down the lineup so much and never found a true spot. They would certainly help out a contender looking for a cheap defensive specialist (Kampf) or a streaky, but sometimes explosive offensive player (Domi).
That would clear up about $4.5M in cap space for a team already with a bit of wiggle room, and targeting smaller named veterans and role players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Pius Suter, and Jamie Benn.
It's enough to sign one or two of those players, and while Toronto might not receive much back for either player, they will get draft picks they can use or trade elsewhere for more help.
The Maple Leafs are going to be much different in 2025-26; Karlsson or not.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 356 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman: Maple Leafs' Trade Target Becomes Unavailable Do you think William Karlsson would have helped the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 206 | 57.9 % |
| No | 150 | 42.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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