Maple Leafs reportedly close on moving away a key piece from their roster
Photo credit: Toronto Sun
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of salary cap relief, and insiders are reporting that David Kampf or Timothy Liljegren may be the odd players on the move.
Following a busy first day of free agency, the Leafs are looking to fill out their roster while maintaining flexibility to build a Stanley Cup contender.
With trade talks heating up, several players have been identified as potential trade chips, including Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren. Insider Nick Kypreos has emphasized that if a player is to be traded, it's likely to be Kampf.
''The bottom-six forwards need some attention as well. Is David Kampf still in the plans to lead the Leafs' checking line? There's a good chance they cut bait there as well.''
As the team aims to replicate the success Tyler Bertuzzi had in the top six last season, more roster moves are expected before training camp. This sets the stage for significant changes as the season approaches, especially with ongoing discussions about a potential Mitch Marner trade.
Recently, the Maple Leafs re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6 million contract ($3 million AAV). However, despite this signing, trade rumors around Liljegren persist. Insider Chris Johnston noted that a trade for Liljegren is still a possibility, emphasizing that the Leafs continue to evaluate their roster.
«We'll see if Timothy Liljegren maybe still gets traded. I know he was signed to a two-year extension, but I don't think you can entirely rule out a trade in his circumstance yet. They're still going to keep chipping away at the roster.»
General Manager Brad Treliving has been busy this off-season, adding defensemen Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpaa to the roster. However, Hakanpaa's injury issues could complicate his future with the team.
While Johnston believes Liljegren could still be traded, he didn't specify what the Leafs might receive in return. Last season, Liljegren recorded three goals and 20 assists in 55 regular-season games and added one assist in six playoff games. Drafted 17th overall in 2017, he has spent all five of his NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs but has yet to fully meet expectations.
With plenty of time before the 2024-25 season begins in October, GM Treliving is likely to continue exploring roster moves, potentially involving Liljegren. The Leafs remain focused on building a competitive team ready for the Stanley Cup chase.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 83 ANSWERS Maple Leafs reportedly close on moving away a key piece from their roster Who do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will trade? | ||
| Calle Jarnkrok | 7 | 8.4 % |
| David Kampf | 24 | 28.9 % |
| Timothy Liljegren | 30 | 36.1 % |
| Other | 22 | 26.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
