In a recent trade proposal from a PuckPedia user, the Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights that involves a significant reshuffling of players. The proposed trade aims to help the Maple Leafs offload a forward about to enter the final year of his seven-year contract. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed trade and the current situation of the involved players.
**Proposed Trade Details:**
*Maple Leafs Receive:*
– William Karlsson (eight-year, $47.2 million contract)
– Ivan Barbashev (five-year, $25 million contract)
– Zach Whitecloud (six-year, $16.5 million contract)
– Nicolas Hague (three-year, $6.9 million contract)
*Golden Knights Receive:*
– Nicholas Robertson
– Timothy Liljegren
– Mitchell Marner
The proposal notably excludes Shea Theodore, a player often mentioned in trade rumors, and focuses instead on a swap involving Mitchell Marner from the Maple Leafs and William Karlsson from the Golden Knights. Karlsson, who signed an eight-year, $47.2 million contract with Vegas in 2019, would be a central figure in this deal. Additionally, Ivan Barbashev, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract with the Golden Knights in June 2023, is included in the trade.
To balance the addition of Barbashev, Whitecloud, and Hague, the Maple Leafs would send Timothy Liljegren, who recently signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension, and Nicholas Robertson, a restricted free agent. Both players were considered expendable before the opening of the free agency market on July 1.
Liljegren’s contract extension does not preclude him from being traded, as recent commentary suggests that despite the new deal, a trade could still be a possibility. TSN’s Chris Johnston noted that Liljegren’s situation might be revisited if an attractive trade opportunity arises, even though he has just signed his extension.
Johnston further explained on July 1 that the Leafs might consider trading Liljegren, Kampf, or Jarnkrok if the right deal comes along. This is primarily due to the team’s tight salary cap situation. Additionally, Jonas Siegel from The Athletic reported that Liljegren’s contract includes no trade protection, which keeps the door open for potential trades.
As for Nicholas Robertson, the Leafs extended a qualifying offer to him on July 1, making him a restricted free agent. Robertson, who finished his entry-level contract with a three-year, $2.39 million deal, has been a subject of trade discussions. He has expressed a desire to be traded, as confirmed by Chris Johnston. Despite the trade request, General Manager Brad Treliving has stated that the team is not actively pursuing a trade for Robertson at this time. Treliving acknowledged some frustration from Robertson but emphasized the team’s commitment to his development.
Robertson had a mixed performance last season, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 regular-season games, but he did not register any points in the playoffs.
If the proposed trade goes through, the Maple Leafs would acquire players with contracts totaling $95.5 million, reflecting significant value and commitment. This move would not only shake up the Leafs’ roster but also impact the future strategies of both teams involved.
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