ATrade rumors abound, especially when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The vast majority of the time, we read them, laugh, and move on. Occasionally, one will catch our attention and make us think. One such rumour recently surfaced on social media, prompting us to wonder if it was something that could benefit both teams.
To give proper credit, the following potential deal was tweeted by someone going by the handle “Hockey 24/7.” We don’t know who that person is or whether they have any insider information. Nonetheless, what they posted was intriguing. Here’s the gist of it.
The person suggested that the Maple Leafs make the following trade: Nick Abruzzese, Pontus Holmberg, John Klingberg, and two draft picks (including the first overall pick in 2024) were traded to Calgary. In Toronto, Nikita Zadorov (50% retention) and Chris Tanev (50% retention).
Why the Maple Leafs Trade Is Interesting and Could Work
We must admit that the posted trade idea piqued our interest. There is something in this deal that could be appealing to both teams.
Many articles have been written recently about the Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving’s desire to acquire Chris Tanev and/or Nikita Zadorov. A move like that would put to rest all of the talk about the Maple Leafs’ defense. The two players would occupy the second and fifth spots on the Maple Leafs’ defensive depth chart.
Tanev, despite his age, is still a solid top-four defenseman with a valuable righthand shot. He’s also a formidable defender. He could slide in beside Morgan Rielly, allowing TJ Brodie to return to his natural left side on another pairing. Tanev, on the other hand, could handle the right side of whoever he is paired with on the second pair.
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Zadorov is a physical monster. He is no “gentle giant” either. In his NHL career, he has recorded just under 1,800 hits in 628 regular season and playoff games. Zadorov has bounced back and forth with the Flames between the top four and the bottom pairing; however, he has averaged over 18 minutes a game the past two seasons.
He even found some offence last season and scored 14 goals. However, that seems like a bit of an anomaly for Zadorov. He’s only scored more than four goals a season twice previously in his career. Zadorov could partner with Brodie or Jake McCabe on the second pair. He could also play alongside Timothy Liljegren on the third pair for the Maple Leafs. Zadorov is 28 years old and in his prime and could be ripe for an extension with the Maple Leafs.
The Flames Main Return Would be Abruzzesse and a First-Rounder
The main pieces for the Flames would be the first-round pick and Abruzzesse. Of late any first-round pick has good odds of becoming a decent full-time NHLer. Abruzzesse is a smart playmaking center with top-six potential. After signing an ELC with the Maple Leafs last season, the 24-year-old Abruzesse scored 16 goals and 48 points in 69 games with the Marlies. This season Abruzesse has 12 points in 14 games in the AHL.
The other prospect in the deal, Pontus Holmberg has bottom-six potential. He could step into a third or fourth-line role with the Flames immediately. He has played 44 NHL games with the Maple Leafs over the past two seasons. And, while he doesn’t light up the scoresheet, he’s a solid 200-foot player.
So, What About John Klingberg? Where Does He Fit?
How would John Klingberg fit into this deal for the Flames? His health status is in question. He appears to be having hip problems that might relate to past surgery he has had on both hips. The hip issues could be the reason Klingberg has gone from being one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL to one of the worst defensemen statistically over the past few seasons.
Why would the Flames take him in the deal? First, they simply might want to make the deal. The other pieces could be enough to make the deal worth their while.
If Klingberg is healthy enough, he has shown he could play a sheltered third-paring role and still have some effectiveness. He did so for the Minnesota Wild last season in the playoffs and has done so for the Maple Leafs this season. He’s still a skilled player with the puck on his stick.
The Flames would have two roster spots to fill on the backend. If Klingberg is not healthy enough, he can go on LTIR and would become a non-factor in the deal.
What exactly the other draft pick in this trade scenario would be wasn’t mentioned. We would guess it would be a lower-round pick.
What About Salary-Cap Ramifications?
What about the cap ramifications? For the Maple Leafs, bringing in Tanev and Zadorov at half their salary and removing Klingberg’s cap hit would give them $25,000 more cap space. Ergo, no problem. According to Capfriendly.com, the players they have on LTIR could easily fit the extra $25,000 that Klingberg would bring with him.
In addition, both Holmberg and Abruzzese are waiver-exempt. They could go immediately to the AHL while Calgary figures out how and where they fit into their lineup. While some minor juggling might be required it should not be much of an issue.
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