The Toronto Maple Leafs would be willing to trade three players to create cap space to improve their team, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston.
The Maple Leafs are currently over the salary cap by $1.5 million, according to CapFriendly, but that does include the Jani Hakanpaa whose contract has not been made official due to injury concerns.
However, according to Johnston, Toronto is open to trading Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren to create cap space.
“If the proper trade came up, they would consider trading Kampf, Jarnkrok, or Timothy Liljegren. To be absolutely clear, I do not believe they are trying to get rid of them at all; rather, I believe they are quite tightly wound due to the Leafs’ salary cap. The blueline actually appears different at this stage of the off-season; they have clearly made adjustments in goal. However, I believe they will need to think outside the box to handle any future adjustments they choose to implement, Johnston stated on The Chris Johnston Show on July 4.
“Those are the kinds of players who could be had, but there’s no reason to think anything is imminent or will occur.” When they started this offseason, they had an open mind.
Jarnkrok has two years left on his deal that pays him $2.1 million per season. Kampf also has two years left on his deal that will pay him $2.4 million per year.
Liljegren, the lone defenseman mentioned, just signed a new two-year deal worth $3 million per season, but despite the new contract has been mentioned in trade rumors.
Liljegren Wanted to Remain With Maple Leafs
Before Liljegren had signed his contract extension, he had been the subject of trade rumors. Yet, after his signing, he said he always wanted to play for the Maple Leafs and was excited to sign a multi-year deal there.
“I feel good. Toronto was always the place I wanted to be, and I’m happy we got it done. It was pretty easy talking with Toronto,” Liljegren said to the media. “I feel I took some big steps last year and kind of got derailed a little bit because of my injuries. A little bit unlucky with two big ones that cost me some games. But I still took strides in my game offensively.”
Liljegren played 55 games for the Maple Leafs in 2023–24, tallying 3 goals and 20 assists for 23 points.
The Part of Jarnkrok and Kampf in Toronto
Kampf and Jarnkrok will be bottom-six forwards for the Maple Leafs if they are not dealt.
DailyFaceoff.com projects Jarnkrok as the team’s third-line right winger. Additionally, it is anticipated that he will play on the second penalty kill and power play units. He finished 52 games with 21 points from 10 goals and 11 assists the previous season.
Kampf, on the other hand, plays center fourth for Toronto. Because he is a strong defensive forward, he is also on the first penalty kill unit. Kampf recorded eight goals and eleven helpers for the Maple Leafs in the previous season.
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