The Toronto Maple Leafs open to moving their first round pick and possibly a young forward
TSN: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 1050 yesterday and confirmed that the Toronto Maple Leafs would consider trading their 2019 first-round pick and suggests that Andreas Johnsson or Kasperi Kapanen could be moved in the right deal.
“If you’re gonna get a good defenceman and they obviously want to get a good defenceman, you’ve got to give up something of value,” McKenzie told First Up on TSN Radio 1050 Toronto. “And not only would the first-round pick be in play, but I’ve been saying for quite some time now – take your pick, but one of Andreas Johnsson or Kasperi Kapanen will be gone too in the most likely scenario. It obviously depends on which defenceman they end up with and how much term is left, and what the guy’s age is, and what his value is, but it’s quite conceivable that both of those pieces could be departing for the right guy.”
The Montreal Canadiens may not want to give up prospects or draft picks but …
TSN: Darren Dreger was on TSN 690 and was talking about the Montreal Canadiens and how GM Marc Bergevin has said that he doesn’t want to trade their prospects or draft picks.
“I guess the one thing that I would question though is given the success of the Montreal Canadiens, if a player of interest is attainable, why wouldn’t you got out and add that piece? At some point here in the near future – believe it or not, it’s relatively early.”
Dreger was told by someone with the Los Angeles Kings that things are all quiet on their front, which seems a little strange given what they could make available – Tyler Toffoli and Jake Muzzin.
“So if I’m Montreal, or I’m any other team for that matter, I’ve got to be able to figure out how Tyler Toffoli can help me on the wing. Or, there’s rumblings of Brayden Schenn in St. Louis being available with only one year remaining on his contract, he could certainly help the Habs, or all the defensive pieces that are either in play or soon to be in play.”
Dreger adds that the Canadiens may not be looking here, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they use some assets to upgrade their team.