The Toronto Maple Leafs made a comparable offer to the Flames for Jacob Markstrom
When news broke that the Calgary Flames traded Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils for a seemingly weak package, many wondered why the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t outbid them.
It has now come to light that the Maple Leafs did indeed make a comparable offer for Markstrom, but lingering animosity between Brad Treliving and his former staff made the Flames hesitant to trade with Toronto.
If I were a Flames fan, I’d be livid right now. Craig Conroy is already seen as a questionable GM, and to learn he accepted an inferior package due to a grudge is pretty embarrassing, if true.
This revelation about the goalie market being affordable is great news for the Leafs. Their involvement in trying to acquire a star goalie indicates they recognize the necessity of moving beyond the tandem system touted by NHL Insiders through Laurent Brossoit’s agent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Appear to Understand Their Needs
I had my doubts. With all the talk about Brossoit and (barfs) Cam Talbot, I was genuinely concerned that the Leafs were content with a Woll-plus-backup scenario.
While we all admire Joseph Woll, he has only 39 career NHL games under his belt and is prone to injuries, making him an unsuitable starter, especially during Auston Matthews’ prime years.
I’m relieved the Leafs didn’t land Markstrom because I believe there are at least two better options: Linus Ullmark and especially Juuse Saros. However, their attempt to acquire Markstrom shows they understand the importance of having a top-tier goalie.
There is some risk in trading for a goalie, but I’m increasingly convinced that in the parity-filled NHL, the best way to win and stay competitive is by making a series of high-risk, high-reward moves.
The safe bet is to recognize that NHL goalies are volatile and unpredictable and to invest your money and assets in more stable parts of the roster.
However, if you manage to acquire an elite goalie and get a season or two where they are among the best, your odds of winning increase astronomically.
Leave a Reply