The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t expect to make any blockbuster trades this offseason. They fully intend to keep the core four together and have Auston Matthews and William Nylander re-signed at some point his summer.
This does not mean they will not make any trades and with Ryan O’Reilly likely not returning, they will be seeking a 3rd line center.
Will the Leafs trade for Mikael Backlund?
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving could circle back to his old team and NHL trade rumors are making the rounds that he could make a trade for forward Mikael Backlund.
Backlund, 34, is in the last year of his contract with a $5.35 million cap hit and for the Leafs to take on his salary, the Flames would likely have to retain 50%.
Prospect Filip Král and the Leafs 2023 first round pick (28th overall) would likely have to go back to Calgary.
What are Leaf fans saying about a potential Mikael Backlund trade?
If I am a Craig Conroy, I do not retain any salary in a trade. Backlund would look great in a Leafs jersey.
I would love to see Backlund in Toronto. Make this trade happen now!
With Backlund saying he is not re-signing in Calgary, I hope we get a first round pick for him!
