$12M Deal Quietly Closes Door on Maple Leafs Trade Target
Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Kings re-signed young RFA Alex Laferriere to a three-year extension on Saturday, leaving the Maple Leafs with one less trade target this summer.
As the NHL offseason hits its big lull period, with things hopefully picking up soon, the Los Angeles Kings locked up a big part of their future by extending young RFA forward Alex Laferriere for the next three years at $4.1-million AAV.
The deal makes sure that Los Angeles doesn’t lose out on Laferriere next season to an offer sheet, and it gives him time to grow alongside young stars like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke.
Kings’ Big Investment Signals Shift in Trade Market
But what it also does is make the slim trade market even slimmer. If there was a chance that LA wanted to throw in the white towel, they could have found a very lucrative offer for a player like Laferriere, though he would be key to a rebuild regardless of the return potential.
For a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who desperately need some top-six help, they lose out on a chance to bring him in at a lot cheaper rate. Now, there’s nothing to say the Maple Leafs had enough assets to pry him away from the Kings, especially with Ken Holland in tow.
But who’s to say they couldn’t?
Look at someone like a Ben Danford. He’s a fantastic prospect but still a year or two away; couple him with Nick Robertson (another RFA), a 2026 second-round pick, and maybe even a low-end goalie prospect and bam! You’ve got a slight overpayment for incredible potential.
Laferriere Was an Ideal Fit for the Leafs’ Middle Six
Laferriere, 23, had 42 points in 73 games with the Kings last season (19 goals, 23 assists) while adding 124 hits, 43 blocks, and was an impressive plus-22; a huge leap forward from his rookie season.He would have fit perfectly with the Maple Leafs’ top-six and would have instantly given John Tavares and William Nylander the power forward they need, and who better to help mentor a young forward than two of the best in the world.Also with all the talk about a DNA change, what better way to move on from Mitch Marner and stick it to him than by bringing in a younger player who has the potential to be truly what the team needed: A brand-new look.
But Toronto will now need to shift gears and if they want to sign or trade for anyone they will need to open up some cap space now that Nick Robertson re-signed.
They have options like Jack Roslovic, Joel Kiviranta, and even Max Pacioretty could make a comeback; but they have to get a move done soon and losing out on potentially getting Laferriere makes that training campdeadline even more important.
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$12M Deal Quietly Closes Door on Maple Leafs Trade Target
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