Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Speculations
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, prompting discussions regarding potential trades to improve their situation. Among various players speculated for a move are defenseman Brandon Carlo and forwards Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Dakota Joshua. Jonas Siegel, an analyst with The Athletic, recently surveyed these trade possibilities, suggesting that both Carlo and Domi could yield valuable returns that management might find appealing.
Brandon Carlo’s Trade Value
Siegel noted that Carlo, in particular, appears to be the most likely candidate for a trade, despite having struggled with performance early in the season and now facing a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old defenseman holds significant value as a right-shot blueliner, a commodity highly sought after around the league. Carlo’s current contract, which spans six years with a cap hit of $4.1 million (of which $3.485 million is retained by the Leafs), may attract interest from teams operating under salary cap constraints searching for talent in their top four defense positions.
Complications of Trading Carlo
However, trading Carlo is not without its complications. The Leafs previously exchanged a first-round pick and prospect Fraser Minten to acquire him from the Boston Bruins. This precedent suggests that if they choose to trade him now, they would need to obtain a return of similar caliber to justify the move. Additionally, parting ways with him would create a significant gap in Toronto’s defensive lineup. The strategic timing of any trade could also hinge on the upcoming NHL trade deadline on March 6, as interest in Carlo might increase closer to that date. Nonetheless, given their current struggles, such a move could come too late for the team to salvage their season, pushing them into a sellers’ position.
Pittsburgh Penguins Goaltending Situation
In Pittsburgh, the returning Tristan Jarry may lead to an overcrowded goaltending situation with Arturs Silovs and the promising Sergey Murashov. According to Dan Kingerski from Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Penguins are in search of more scoring, raising the possibility of moving a goalie to help enhance their offensive capabilities.
Jarry’s Trade Complications
Jarry’s recent injury issues and fluctuating performance complicate his trade value, especially given his cap hit of $5.375 million through the 2027-28 season and a limited no-trade clause. Meanwhile, Murashov has demonstrated potential as a future number one goalie, making him unlikely to be dealt. This leaves Silovs, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round pick last July, as the most probable candidate for a trade. With his recent strong performances, Kingerski speculated that Silovs could command a second-round pick, which the Penguins could then use to pursue a scoring forward to bolster their roster.
