Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, the Buffalo Sabres could be making big moves which means the Maple Leafs could add the blueliner they’ve been waiting for.
Nothing is off the table for Kekalainen, and though he’s confident that his team can compete this year, he does have some work ahead of him regarding his roster and where they currently sit.
Besides having a logjam in the net, there’s the issue of re-signing Alex Tuch and whether or not they should keep defenseman Owen Power.
Owen Power could be on the market as part of Sabres changes
At least, NHL Frank Seravalli believes that’s the case.
What happens with a guy like Owen Power who has really struggled this season?; They’ve got 4 different goalie questions to answer, who’s staying, who’s going? Kekalainen certainly has his work cut out for him.
Kekalainen is no stranger to making big deals and has a lot of respect around the NHL for his business savvy, so there precedent for Power to be moved.
Now with that being said, Buffalo’s cross-highway rival Toronto could certainly use a young two-way defenseman…but can they get it done?
Why Toronto should pounce on chance to add serious fire-‘Power’
I mean, it’s not often you see first overall picks being dangled on the market, but in the middle of a struggling season and with Buffalo looking to make some serious changes; Power’s definitely not untouchable.
With only eight points in 31 games this season (3 goals, 5 assists), Power has not shown that offensive fire he’s had in years past, and even his solid defensive work has slipped this season.
While he is playing for Buffalo and that never does good for anyone’s numbers, his possession numbers have slipped and he isn’t controlling the puck like he normally would.
He has very good career numbers so far in his young tenure in the NHL. In 273 games he has 119 points (22 goals, 97 assists) as well as 346 blocks, 115 hits, and a plus-one rating in 22:25 TOI.
A change of scenery would be perfect for the young defender and Toronto is a great place to do it. He would instantly be Toronto’s top option offensively, even with his struggles; and at only 23 years old he has a ton of room to grow.
While you would need to give up Ben Danford at minimum, plus the 2028 first rounder, other picks, and perhaps a couple other pieces like Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson.
But a huge haul for Power is a great consolation prize considering Toronto couldn’t get Quinn Hughes. If they want a young, two-way blueliner with serious potential then it’s time to make a move.
Brad Treliving has been urged to do something for the Maple Leafs and maybe making a blockbuster trade would be enough to satisfy fans. At least for now.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
1 HOUR AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 61 ANSWERS
News out of Buffalo shows the Maple Leafs have a chance to add young blueliner
Should Toronto try and acquire Owen Power from the Sabres?