The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant move by signing a 28-year-old experienced goaltender. While the signing is a noteworthy addition to the team, there are speculations about further moves to strengthen their roster.
Should the Maple Leafs Consider a Trade for the Best Goalie Alive?
The Toronto Maple Leafs should seriously consider pursuing New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who could become a free agent this summer. Acquiring Shesterkin would provide the Leafs with a top-tier goaltender, something the team has lacked for a long time.
Shesterkin is entering the final year of his contract with the Rangers. Although the Rangers are likely to make every effort to re-sign him, Leafs GM Brad Treliving should explore the possibility of bringing him to Toronto.
Many might argue that the Rangers trading Shesterkin seems unlikely, as it would leave them without a starting goaltender and make it difficult to find a comparable replacement. However, as Shesterkin approaches the end of his contract, there is always the risk that he might choose not to re-sign with New York, similar to the Mitch Marner situation with the Leafs.
As the end of Shesterkin’s contract nears, the Rangers could face mounting pressure and media scrutiny if they fail to secure his signature. Shesterkin is set to earn $5.66 million this season, but his performance suggests he should command a salary comparable to elite goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy or Sergei Bobrovsky. The Rangers will undoubtedly try to accommodate Shesterkin’s new deal within their salary cap.
But what if Shesterkin decides against staying in New York? This scenario could open the door for a potential trade.
Potential Return for a Shesterkin Trade to Toronto
The critical question is what the Maple Leafs could offer the Rangers in exchange for Shesterkin.
Firstly, the Rangers would need a goaltender in return. Their current backup, Jonathan Quick, is no longer the Stanley Cup-winning goalie he once was. Therefore, the Rangers might be interested in Joseph Woll from the Leafs. However, Woll alone would not be enough to secure Shesterkin.
Another asset that might appeal to the Rangers is Nick Robertson, who has requested a trade. Including Robertson in the deal could add value, but even a package of Woll and Robertson might not suffice.
A more intriguing proposition would be for the Leafs to take on Jacob Trouba’s substantial contract. While the Leafs currently lack the cap space, absorbing Trouba’s contract could make the deal more appealing to the Rangers.
Still, even with Shesterkin and Trouba’s contract on the table, the Leafs would need to include additional players and draft picks to make the trade viable.
Despite the high cost, acquiring Shesterkin could be transformative for the Maple Leafs. Having an elite goaltender like Shesterkin could finally help the Leafs overcome their playoff struggles, much like how Shesterkin has been pivotal for the Rangers.
Leave a Reply