By Stan Smith
Trade rumours – especially involving the Toronto Maple Leafs – are a dime a dozen. With the vast majority, we read them, have a good laugh, and move on. Occasionally, one pops up that catches our eyes and makes us think. One such rumour popped up on social media recently and it made us wonder if it might be something that could work for both teams.
To give proper attribution, the following potential deal was posted on Twitter by someone who goes by the handle “Hockey 24/7.” We have no idea who that person is or whether they have any insider information or not. Still, what they posted was interesting. Here’s the gist.
The deal the person suggested was that the Maple Leafs should engage in this trade: To Calgary: Nick Abruzzese, Pontus Holmberg, John Klingberg, and two draft picks (including 1st in 2024). And, to Toronto: Nikita Zadorov (50% retained) and Chris Tanev (50% retained).
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Why the Maple Leafs Trade Is Engaging and Why It Might Work
We have to admit that we found the posted trade idea intriguing. There is genuinely something in this deal that could be attractive to both teams.
There have been countless posts recently about the Maple Leafs, and GM Brad Treliving’s desire to acquire Chris Tanev and/or Nikita Zadorov. A move like that would erase all the talk that the Maple Leafs are weak on defence. The two players would slot in somewhere between the second and fifth spots on the Maple Leafs defensive depth chart.
Tanev, while 33, is still a sound top-four defenseman and a coveted righthand shot. He’s also strong defensively. He could slide in beside Morgan Rielly allowing TJ Brodie to flip back to his natural left side on a different pairing. Or Tanev could handle the right side of whomever he gets partnered 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.
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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.
Related: The Trade Maple Leafs Fans Want to See: Klingberg to Flames