CONFIRMED: Maple Leafs Named Trade Suitor for Rangers’ $56 Million Star…

Potential Trade for Jacob Trouba by the Maple Leafs

Rumors and Trade Speculations:

The Toronto Maple Leafs are being considered as a potential trade destination for Jacob Trouba, a prominent player for the New York Rangers. The Rangers have asked Trouba to submit his list of 15 teams to which he cannot be traded, ahead of the free agency period. This development, first reported by Arthur Staple of The Athletic on June 27 and linked to Chris Johnston’s “Trade Big Board” from June 26, suggests that the Rangers might be looking to trade Trouba as part of their roster adjustments.

Johnston noted that with Trouba’s no-movement clause changing to a 15-team no-trade clause on July 1, and the Rangers seemingly needing to move a defenseman, Trouba could be a candidate for trade. Johnston ranked Trouba as the 14th best player available for trade. Staple and Peter Baugh further identified the Maple Leafs as a suitable team for a potential trade involving Trouba, citing the Leafs’ need for a right-shot defenseman.

Maple Leafs’ Interest and Potential Hurdles:

The Maple Leafs could be interested in acquiring Trouba, especially if they fail to secure Chris Tanev. However, it remains uncertain whether Trouba would be willing to move to a Canadian team, as it is speculated that all seven Canadian franchises might be on his no-trade list, with Winnipeg being a likely inclusion.

Trouba’s Current Situation:

Jacob Trouba, the captain of the Rangers, had a mixed performance in the 2023-24 season, scoring 3 goals and 19 assists in 69 regular-season games, and contributing 1 goal and 6 assists in 16 postseason games. The Rangers were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the conference finals. Trouba has two years remaining on his seven-year, $56 million contract, which includes an $8 million annual salary. From July 1, his no-move clause changes to a 15-team no-trade list, giving him the power to veto trades to certain teams.

Trading Trouba would allow the Rangers to free up significant salary cap space. The Rangers acquired Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets in June 2019 and named him captain in August 2022. Despite his physical defensive style and strong game, his high cap hit might be considered a luxury for the Rangers, who also have Adam Fox and Braden Schneider on their right defense.

Maple Leafs’ Defense Strategy:

The Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to strengthen their defense by adding size this offseason. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on June 19 that the Leafs are targeting players like Nikita Zadorov from the Vancouver Canucks and Colton Parayko from the St. Louis Blues. Zadorov is set to become a free agent on July 1, while Parayko would be available only through a trade.

With an estimated $19.7 million in cap space, the Maple Leafs have some flexibility, but currently, only four defensemen are under contract. Among their pending free agents, only Timothy Liljegren is a restricted free agent, with six others becoming unrestricted free agents. This underscores the Leafs’ need to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming season.