The Toronto Maple Leafs have their entire defensive core returning next season, but that could change.
Toronto has been linked to trading away from their defense, as well as adding to it. The Maple Leafs have been linked to Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who’s a stellar offensive defenseman.
However, due to Karlsson’s contract, many fans have mixed thoughts on whether or not the Maple Leafs should trade for the Swede. But, former Maple Leaf and now TSN analyst Carlo Colaiacovo believes Toronto should trade for Karlsson.
“He doesn’t make too much money because he got paid a big bonus,” Colaiacovo said on First Up. “Any deal you make for Karlsson, you are going to get a discount on the cap hit because he has one year left. I’m taking Kalrsson, man. The reason is, Karlsson can run a power play. The Leafs still don’t have a defenseman that can run a power play. Is Morgan Rielly going to be that guy after he lost his job to Mitch Marner?
“They put a forward on defense because they didn’t have a defenseman who could quarterback a power play,” Colaiacovo added. “Erik Karlsson could absolutely still quarterback a power play. That is the reason why I would bring him in. You lose Mitch Marner and you need someone to replace those points on the power play.”
Karlsson has two years left on his eight-year, $92 million deal. Although he is owed $11.5 million per season, Pittsburgh would likely retain nearly half to make it more affordable and get a bigger return.
Karlsson recorded 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points in 82 games. He’s a three-time Norris Trophy winner, which is awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL.
Maple Leafs Reportedly Interested in Karlsson
Pittsburgh is likely to begin a rebuild, and Karlsson’s name has come up in trade talks.
Not only are the Penguins reportedly shopping Karlsson, but the Maple Leafs are one of the teams interested, according to NHL insider James Murphy of RG.org.
“There’s more than just hearsay when it comes to the Leafs and Erik Karlsson right now,” an NHL source told RG recently. “There’s probably going to be salary retained. But the thought that there’s some kind of bad blood between Dubas and the Leafs still that would prevent something like this is crazy. This is a business. If there’s enough interest from both teams and they figure out the cap hit and money, then that’s all that matters.”
As well as Karlsson, Toronto is reportedly also interested in Dougie Hamilton, according to Murphy.
Karlsson Would Help Maple Leafs’ Power Play
A key reason why the Maple Leafs would trade for Karlsson is due to his offense and ability to run a power play.
Toronto has no No. 1 option to run their power play, and Karlsson would fit that role. The source also told RG that the Maple Leafs are looking to find a solution for their power play.
“They need that offense from the backend; they need that guy on the powerplay,” the source added. “Can they make the cap hit and cap space work? That’s what matters here, and the Leafs gotta make up that offense with (Mitch) Marner gone.”
The Maple Leafs’ power play ranked ninth in the NHL at 24.8% last season.
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