The Toronto Maple Leafs’ plans for the trade deadline are significantly influenced by Calle Jarnkrok’s health, as he has yet to see play this season. Is he the solution to Toronto’s issues at third-line center?
The team is finding it challenging to generate scoring from its lower lines, and there’s mounting pressure to make a trade for a third-line center to address this problem.
However, any potential move relies on Jarnkrok’s recovery from sports hernia surgery, as he works towards returning—time is running out for him to make an impact.
With Jarnkrok’s health being a crucial element in Toronto’s trade strategy, how can he benefit the Maple Leafs?
Toronto’s deadline approach largely hinges on Jarnkrok’s ability to contribute. If Jarnkrok were healthy, this conversation might not even be necessary. Many lineup changes stem from his absence, as he was expected to anchor the third line.
Although last season was a bit of a setback for Jarnkrok, with just 10 goals and 11 assists, he previously had a season with 20 goals. His offensive capabilities are evident, and he provides significant defensive improvements.
Over his career, Jarnkrok has compiled 136 goals and 165 assists in 699 games. He was drafted by the Red Wings in 2010 but was traded to Nashville in a major deal for David Legwand.
After being selected by Seattle in the 2021 Expansion Draft, he was traded to Calgary before eventually signing with the Maple Leafs. He is currently in the third year of a four-year, $ 8.4 million contract.
I'm interested to see how Calle Jarnkrok will be used this season. He was effective in a complementary top-six role but struggled to drive play in the bottom six. Hit the 20-goal mark for the first time with an 18.9 SH%.
Here's his goals and notable assists from 2022-23. pic.twitter.com/WCeuOdX7IA
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) July 22, 2023
As an elite defensive center, he has never recorded more giveaways than takeaways, boasts impressive possession statistics, and would enhance Toronto’s currently struggling penalty kill.
If Jarnkrok can recover and make an impact before the trade deadline, Brad Treliving can then turn his attention to acquiring a scoring winger to support John Tavares and a defenseman to assist Morgan Rielly.
Additionally, Jarnkrok would benefit Toronto’s prospect pool; if he can step in as the pivot they require, the team won’t need to part with Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.
With a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Jarnkrok has some time, but it’s limited. If he can’t provide the stability Toronto needs, the team risks losing its grip on Atlantic dominance
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