#toronto-maple-leafs

#toronto-maple-leafs

As mentioned, there were expectations for him to be a top blueliner on the Leafs, along with former young prospect Rasmus Sandin, who was also envisioned as a top blueliner for the team. Niemela was mainly praised for the way he moves the puck as a defenceman. He also showed great vision and was able to make a pass whenever it was possible. He was also seen as someone who wasn't afraid to take a shot on goal and walk into the slot.

It's selling season (or window shopping season during the Olympic break) and the Leafs need to recoup futures, clear some contracts, and create roster spaces for next season while deciding whether or not to go all-in on a tanking attempt, which could blow up in their faces and reward the Bruins, or make a last ditch push for a wild card spot with fewer resources. Additionally, the Leafs have three salary retention spots at their disposal, they should use them all.

There's been growing speculation that the Leafs are going to be both buying and selling ahead of this season's deadline, and Jarnkrok, a pending unrestricted free agent, is turning into a prime trade candidate. The 34-year-old Jarnkrok is owed $2.1 million this season and owns a 10-team no-trade clause in the final year of his contract. He's been in and out of the lineup so far this season, producing just six goals and one assist for seven points in 37 appearances.

It is therefore in their best interest to recalibrate the makeup of their roster and set themselves up for future success as soon as next year through a retool at the deadline. They could restock the cupboard with draft picks and prospects to use to make bigger upgrades or look to find disgruntled young players who need a fresh start somewhere else.

Jim Morrison, who was the Toronto Maple Leafs ' second-oldest living alumnus, has passed away at the age of 94, the team announced on Tuesday morning. Morrison, a defenceman who hailed from Montreal, Quebec, spent six-and-a-half years as a Maple Leaf between 1952 and 1958, tallying 23 goals and 88 assists in that time, and finished his career with 47 goals and 191 assists in 704 games.

The pros of trading Laughton are pretty simple: you could get a good return for him. The Leafs acquired Laughton with half his salary being retained, a fourth-round draft pick in 2025, and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick at last season's trade deadline. They gave up Nikita Grebenkin and a 2027 first-round draft pick. Many, including myself, didn't like the trade when it happened, but Laughton has turned into an integral piece of this lineup.