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The Toronto Maple Leafs could find a willing trade partner to pull off a massive cap dump that would allow them to pursue a key free agent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the midst of trying to clear as much cap space as possible. The reason, according to insider Elliotte Friedman, is the club’s pursuit of free agent Jack Roslovic.
While Roslovic isn’t exactly a franchise-altering player, he is, nonetheless, a useful player for the Maple Leafs this upcoming season. Roslovic can play center and wing, while being a considerable offensive upgrade over other players in Toronto’s bottom six.
That situation forces the Maple Leafs to move contracts, not so much because of cap space itself, but because there’s a logjam in the club’s bottom six.
So, a potential trade partner could be the Pittsburgh Penguins. As Friedman noted in his latest 32 Thoughts Podcast published on August 3, the Penguins are interested in Nick Robertson. That bit of intelligence could lead to the following trade pitch:
Maple Leafs get:
2026 third-round pick
2027 third-round pick
Penguins get:
Nick Robertson, F
David Kampf, F
2027 second-round pick
The Maple Leafs dump David Kampf’s contract, which still has two years on it at $2.4 million. The club has been looking to move Kampf, but no takers have emerged. So, the Penguins might be willing to take Kampf in order to get their hands on Robertson.
The second-round pick is just the cost of doing business. The Penguins would be doing the Maple Leafs a favor. So, the second-rounder is something that could sweeten the pot for the Penguins.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs get two draft picks as they cannot take back any roster players. Moreover, roster players would tack on more salary to their cap structure. That would defeat the purpose of said cap dump.
Maple Leafs Must Make Room in Crowded Bottom Six
The Maple Leafs have what appears to be a crowded bottom-six group. Newcomers Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua will take up two spots. The addition of Matias Maccelli likely pushes Bobby McMann into the bottom six, while Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz looked locked in.
That leaves about two spots at most in the bottom six. Daily Faceoff currently projects Calle Jarnkrok as a fourth-liner. He’s a fine option for the Maple Leafs as long as he can stay healthy. Otherwise, that could open up a spot for someone like Robertson.
Meanwhile, David Kampf appears to be out of luck. There’s no natural spot for him, making him a highly expensive 13th forward. The Maple Leafs would love to move on from him. But trading him might be easier as part of a bundle rather than a one-for-one move.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Penguins
As for the Penguins, taking Robertson and Kampf off the Maple Leafs’ hands is a solid move. The Penguins aren’t going anywhere this upcoming season. The team is likely headed toward a full-on rebuild despite still having Sidney Crosby playing at an elite level.
That situation means the Penguins can afford to take on a not-so-good contract like Kampf’s. Plus, Robertson could greatly benefit from the change of scenery. If the move works out, the Penguins could get a middle-six forward who could consistently score.
If neither Robertson nor Kampf pans out, the Penguins don’t really lose much. The pair of third-rounders won’t set the team back much. For Pittsburgh, this is a classic example of a low-risk, high-reward situation.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
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