Leafs media makes ridiculous trade offer involving Erik Karlsson to Toronto
With the seemingly neverending barrage of Leafs trade rumors this offseason, yet another potential move has been discussed, and this one might be the craziest yet.
Leafs writer offers insane mock trade involving Erik Karlsson
Shane Seney of The Leafs Nation offered this trade proposal that would sure be a major splash for Toronto.
To San Jose - Matt Murray, Timothy Liljegren, and top prospects Topi Niemela & Roni Hirvonen,
Seney argues that the move is beneficial to the Leafs to take on Karlsson, who with retained salary would be making $5.75M until 2026-27, until the age of 37.
Karlsson, 33, has had more than a rebound year. The 2x Norris winner is a finalist for this year's best Defenseman award, having redeemed himself as a forgotten man in San Jose following years as one of the best players in the league in Ottawa, having scored a whopping 101 Points for the San Jose Sharks this season. Karlsson would for sure bring an offensive punch to the Leafs defensive group, although if he'll put up high-impact numbers again heading into his mid-30s is the question.
Karlsson has already been reported as being expected to leave San Jose, with the Sharks looking for a trade partner for the Defenseman, with Karlsson willing on a move to a playoff contender, with San Jose near the bottom of the NHL's standings, appearing to be setting the stage for a rebuild.
In return, Toronto gives up a top young Defenseman in Liljegren, who had 6 Goals and 18 Points in 67 Games. Although his defensive game has seen some improvement, the 24-year-old could be on the move for a shift in his chances, giving him a potential breakout with more minutes in San Jose. Murray gives the Sharks a replacement for former Leaf James Reimer, who will become a free agent. Neimela and Hirvonen are top prospects who are expected to make the jump to North America soon.
One difficulty in this deal is inserting a major contract into this lineup in Karlsson, even with salary retained. Trying to re-sign the core-four forward group of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner & William Nylander, the Leafs add another hefty salary while already trying to get their stars re-signed. For Toronto, they'd have to decide if the price is enough for a 33-year-old on a career year with an Inconsistent few years, and for San Jose, they'll have to ask if the return is enough for a team looking for a proper retooling of their squad.
As seen on The Leafs Nation - The Maple Leafs should make this trade offer to the San Jose Sharks for Erik Karlsson
| POLL | ||
Is this a fair trade proposal? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 27 % |
| No way! | 84 | 73 % |
| List of polls | ||
