Earthquake tremors were felt in Leafs Nation on Wednesday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs officially indicated that the sale was in progress. The club released the healthy trio of Bobby McMann, Scott Lawton and Oliver Ekman-Larsson for “roster management purposes”. As it turns out, while discussions were apparently ongoing, no trade was imminent…yet. It was more of a “bubble wrap” situation, just to make sure an injury didn’t put the kibosh on a potential deal.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving is having deep talks on those three and perhaps more of his charges as Friday’s trade deadline (3:00 p.m. Eastern) now looms.
As for Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Buds’ top defenseman this season, he has boosted his stock in a big way. With two years left on his $3.5 million AAV, there is interest in him on multiple fronts. Insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on NHL Network, names two teams he thinks belong in the OEL:
- boston bruins
- detroit red wings
Both Atlantic Division rivals are completely eyeing strengthening their bluelines. Adding a strong skater and puck mover like Ekman-Larsson, who also brings physical ability and a high hockey IQ, is just what these teams want. OEL is also having its best offensive season in seven years, with 35 points in 61 games.
The Leafs would certainly be happy to keep him, but passing up a trade for him when his value is so high would be a mistake. They’re hoping to acquire a first-rounder and a few additions.
Scott Lawton joins the Avalanche
Laughton is a pending unrestricted free agent at a $3 million AAV, but has been retained 50% by the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade a year ago. Friedman says the Colorado Avalanche appear to be the main pursuers, and the $1.5 million cap hit isn’t too steep for them. The Leafs could also retain a few to boost returns.
The gritty two-way bottom-six center is just what the doctor ordered for the Avs. As far as returns go, the Minnesota Wild paying a second-rounder for less-skilled Michael McCarron bodes well for the Leafs.
There is a lot of interest in Bobby McMann
And that brings us to McMann. There is huge demand for a 20 to 25 goal scorer (he is currently ranked 19th with 20+ games left). James Murphy at rg.org lists seven teams that appear to be big, fast-paced:
- edmonton oilers
- seattle kraken
- Los Angeles Kings
- minnesota wild
- san jose sharks
- Nashville Predators
- tampa bay lightning
The Oilers look to be the frontrunners in the McMann Derby. The Kings and Kraken are desperate for offensive tackles, so the 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward would make a lot of sense for either one of them.
The 29-year-old McMann has repeatedly said he wants to remain with the Leafs, but Toronto is reportedly unwilling to go down to the five-year, $5 million AAV price tag he’s looking for. However, talks on that front are continuing as of Thursday morning.
It should be an interesting 24+ hours in Leafs Nation as the deadline approaches.
#teams #linked #Maple #Leafs #McMann #Laughton #EkmanLarsson
