The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently positioned to compete for the Stanley Cup, and one NHL analyst suggests that the team should pursue a significant acquisition of a star forward. James Turner from Leafs Nation proposes that the Maple Leafs make a major trade to acquire Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson.
In this potential deal, the Maple Leafs would receive:
– Elias Pettersson
And the Canucks would get: –
Morgan Rielly –
A second-round pick in 2025 (from Florida) Turner’s suggested trade would be substantial, allowing Toronto to bring in a superstar forward while Vancouver would gain a local player and secure a much-needed top-four defenseman. Pettersson is in the first year of his eight-year, $92.8 million contract, but he has been mentioned in trade discussions. So far this season, he has played 34 games, tallying 10 goals and 18 assists for a total of 28 points. Pettersson could serve as the second-line center for the Maple Leafs, providing depth in case Mitch Marner or John Tavares depart in free agency. In exchange, Toronto would part with Rielly, a fan favorite and essential member of their defensive group.
However, with Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jake McCabe all signed long-term, the Maple Leafs might consider trading Rielly for a top-tier scorer. Rielly is in the third year of his eight-year, $60 million contract, and has played 39 games this season, recording 4 goals and 14 assists for a total of 18 points.
Analyst Justifies Trade Proposal Turner believes the trade would be beneficial for both teams.
According to the NHL analyst, Pettersson might benefit from a new environment and would enhance the team’s offensive capabilities. On the other hand, Vancouver is in urgent need of defensive support. “Toronto may provide Vancouver with the ideal solution in Morgan Rielly,” Turner stated. “Rielly’s offensive talent from the blue line is undeniable. If the Canucks are seeking an offensively-minded defenseman, it would be tough to find a better option. While it’s unlikely they would agree to a straight swap, including a second-round pick could make the deal more appealing.
The $4.1 million salary difference would also necessitate the Leafs making further adjustments to remain under the salary cap. Similar to Marner, Rielly has a no-movement clause (NMC) that would require his consent for the trade to be executed,” Turner noted. “However, unlike Marner, Rielly is a Vancouver native who played junior hockey in the WHL, making it plausible that he might agree to a trade to the Canucks. A potential pairing of Rielly with Quinn Hughes or Filip Hronek could prove to be formidable on the ice.
” However, as Turner points out, Toronto would need to take additional steps to comply with the salary cap for the trade to work.
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