As the puck drops on a new NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar predicament: a salary cap squeeze. With promising youngsters Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten knocking on the NHL door, General Manager Brad Treliving needs to free up cap space.
The rumor mill is churning, and according to NHL insider David Alter who was on TSN radio, the Leafs are actively shopping forwards Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf.
Cap Space Squeeze: Leafs Eye Jarnkrok, Kampf Deals
Both Jarnkrok and Kampf bring value to the Leafs’ lineup. Jarnkrok, with a cap hit of $2.1 million for the next two seasons, offers versatility and secondary scoring. Kampf, at $2.4 million for the next three seasons, is a reliable defensive forward and penalty killer. However, their combined cap hits of $4.5 million present a significant obstacle for a team already tight against the cap ceiling.
The Leafs’ desire to create roster space for Cowan and Minten is understandable. Cowan, a dynamic forward with high offensive upside, is looking to make the team. Minten, a skilled center with a strong two-way game, also showed promise last training camp. Both players are knocking on the door of the NHL and could provide a much-needed injection of youth and energy into the Leafs’ lineup.
Trading either Jarnkrok or Kampf won’t be easy. Both players have modified no-trade clauses, limiting the Leafs’ options. Moreover, the Leafs will likely need to retain salary in any deal to make the contracts more palatable for potential trade partners. However, the Leafs’ need for cap flexibility is pressing, and Treliving will likely need to make a difficult decision in the coming days.
Personal Insight
As someone who has closely followed the Leafs for years, I believe trading Kampf would be a mistake. His defensive prowess and penalty-killing ability are invaluable, especially for a team that has struggled in those areas in recent years. Jarnkrok, while a useful player, is more easily replaceable. His offensive production can be replicated by other players on the roster, and his absence wouldn’t leave as big a hole in the Leafs’ lineup.
Of course, Treliving and his staff have a much deeper understanding of the team’s needs and the trade market. They may have a different perspective on the value of Jarnkrok and Kampf. Ultimately, the decision they make will have a significant impact on the Leafs’ fortunes this season.
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