Photo credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
With all the discussion on who Toronto should trade for, a new name has appeared who could actually be the missing ingredient and quite familiar with Craig Berube.
The focus of the Toronto Maple Leafs this season when it comes to trade discussions has been how to add to their defense as the team needs to replace Chris Tanev though that’s going to be easier said than done.
But there is another face floating around the market that isn’t getting too much attention who could not only help the Maple Leafs long-term, but do so in a very important role.
Jordan Kyrou could be made available this season per insider
According to David Pagnotta, there is some news around Jordan Kyrou’s availability in St. Louis and where his situation lies ahead of the deadline.
Pagnotta appeared on the Jan. 14 edition of Inside Sports and explained that Kyrou has garnered interest from several teams although he hasn’t been thrown around in as many rumors as others:
I do wonder about Jordan Kyrou; he’s a player that a lot of teams including, I’ll throw Anaheim in the mix, have expressed interest in, we’ll see where that goes and if the Sharks push in that direction.
Kyrou has been struggling hard this season for the Blues, with only 20 points in 38 games (8 goals, 12 assists) — a far cry from his streak of three straight 30-goal seasons.
With St. Louis potentially trading off several veterans including Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, it could be Kyrou up on the chopping block if a deal is suitable enough.
Toronto has a chance to add star to top-six — if they go all-in
Which is why the Maple Leafs should take a serious gamble on Kyrou because he cannot only offer them fantastic offense alongside Auston Matthews, but a reunion with Craig Berube could reignite him once again.
Now of course, it’s not guaranteed that he will turn it around of course but looking at how good he’s been since he arrived in the NHL; why wouldn’t you?
In 454 games he’s put up 352 points (158 goals, 194 assists), is a shot merchant, can play defense and bolster the Maple Leafs’ improved power-play group.
Herein lies the biggest issue; his price. Kyrou makes $8.125-million for the next five seasons and holds a complete no-trade clause. So unless he approves a move, there’s no chance.
Then on top of that Toronto will likely need to give up their last first-round pick in the next three years, and though Kyrou is a bonafide star; there’s a risk he won’t come back to form.
It becomes a serious issue if that happens, and if Toronto is stuck with another expensive and immovable contract that doesn’t bring postseason success?
The fans are going to let the whole team hear it from top to bottom, and it could force some changes this summer.
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A player nobody is talking about could be the exact fit the Maple Leafs have been missing
Should Toronto pursue or avoid Jordan Kyrou in a trade this season?