Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
In the latest trade rumors surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, Heavy.com has a trade proposal that sees them deal a locker room leader for help in their top-six.
All the rumors and discussion this offseason has been whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to bring in a top-six forward to replace Mitch Marner, or end up dealing with what they have and try to work by committee in order to bring success.
They certainly have a lot of talent and they can hang with the rest of the Atlantic (especially with some luck on their side) and while nothing is guaranteed, another year under Craig Berube, and some surprise performances could be enough.
However it might still not be and the team is going to need help come the deadline if they are in a tough spot offensively. Though they could end up getting a head start on things, though it involves dealing their locker room leader and longest tenured player.
What Adding a Cup Champion Could Mean for Matthews’ Line
The reasons given is that Barbashev offers both offensive help and an extra intimidation factor, but it also helps that he won a Cup with Berube when he was coaching the Blues.
The main caveat in getting a deal done is that Rielly and Barbashev both hold clauses in their contracts to prevent deals, and while Barbashev’s isn’t as extensive as Rielly’s; if Toronto is on the list it’s a no-go anyways.
But he could certainly help their top-six no doubt and giving Auston Matthews a player with familiarity in the system, proven credentials and a Stanley Cup can only benefit him.
Why This Trade Scenario Is Gaining Attention
It seems that dumping Rielly, especially to Vegas where he would reunite with Mitch Marner could potentially alienate fans, and the allure of winning a Cup in Vegas (and admittedly an easier route) is enticing.
If he ended up accepting Vegas as a destination, there would be a lot of backlash towards Rielly, and it doesn’t necessarily change the fact he would be even further away from his family than he already is.
It’s also intriguing that the Maple Leafs and Vegas would do business again as it seems like Brad Treliving might want to stay far away from dealing with them lest he draw the ire of Leafs Nation.
But it would be a great solution for the Maple Leafs, as Barbashev had 51 points in 70 games (23 goals, 28 assists) while also adding 104 hits; him and Matthew Knies would be running around opening up the entire ice for Matthews; not a bad strategy.
It’s a double edged sword for Toronto: They can add some extra firepower and slice through the competition this season; but they can just as easily cause a death by a thousand cuts.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
POLL
46 MINUTES AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 5 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs Trade Talk: Two-Time Cup Champion Floated as Auston Matthews’ Potential Right Wing
Would you trade Morgan Rielly and Bobby McMann for Ivan Barbashev?