The Toronto Maple Leafs boast a wealth of skill in their ranks. Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, and new addition Matias Maccelli are three great examples of that. But, to mimic the success of the Florida Panthers, they need to add more toughness (and not just cheap PTO-level toughness).
Heavy.com proposed a deal that would see the Maple Leafs acquire power forward Evander Kane from the Vancouver Canucks. This deal would open up a roster spot to sign their prized free agent, Jack Roslovic.
Maple Leafs Acquire:
- Evander Kane ($5.125 million)
Canucks Acquire:
- Max Domi ($3.75 million)
- Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1 million)
- Easton Cowan ($873,500)
Kane, 34, is a power forward who was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers fourth overall in the 2009 Entry Draft. The 6-foot-2, 218 lb left-handed winger missed all of the 2024-25 regular season due to injury recovery. He recorded 12 points and 95 hits in 24 playoff games.
Max Domi, 30, is a forward who can play center and winger. He was initially drafted 12th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2013. Domi is a 5-foot-10, 209 lb forward who recorded 33 points in 74 games this past year.
Calle Jarnkrok, 33, was drafted 51st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2010. The 6-foot, 191 lb forward produced seven points in 19 games during the 2024-25 season.
Easton Cowan, 20, was drafted 28th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2023. The 6-foot, 185 lb forward recorded 69 points in 46 games with the London Knights in the OHL.
Maple Leafs Get Ideal Power Forward
Kane can add goal-scoring prowess and a distinct physical presence to the lineup every night. His combination of skill and grit make him an ideal fit with Craig Berube’s system, and with playoff hockey.
The 34-year-old has never scored more than 30 goals in one season. However, he is mighty consistent at putting the puck in the net. Over his 17-year NHL career he has scored at least 20 goals nine times. Two of those 17 years he’s recorded 19 goals.
Another highlight of Kane’s game is his mean streak.
In the last regular season that he dressed for (2023-24) he recorded a career-high 248 hits in 77 games. That’s an average of 3.22 hits per game.
Maple Leafs Make Room For Roslovic
The Maple Leafs have been connected to Roslovic since the opening of free agency. With Mitch Marner gone in a sign-and-trade deal this summer, Matthews needs a new partner in crime.
After speaking about their interest in Andrew Mangiapane, Elliotte Friedman reported on the Maple Leafs connection to Roslovic.
“Another player we talked about for Toronto was Jack Roslovic,” Friedman told his co-host. “There’s still a few teams looking at him; I’ve heard 5 or 6. We know with Toronto, they’re trying to move money around.”
By exchanging Domi, Jarnkrok, and Cowan for Kane, the Maple Leafs free up some money to sign Roslovic. At this point in the offseason, the unsigned forward is looking at a high likelihood of signing a one-year deal.
During a recent Bleacher Report Broadcast, NHL insider Frank Seravalli addressed the Roslovic situation with the Maple Leafs.
“I think the Maple Leafs are still very much in contention to get Jack Roslovic,” Servalli reported.
By adding Kane, and making way for Roslovic, the Maple Leafs give themselves the best chance to increase their offensive production and go on a long playoff run.
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