The Toronto Maple Leafs have been trying to trade two veteran forwards, but so far, no deal has been made.
The Maple Leafs have been linked to trading Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, as there were thoughts Toronto could buy them out, but neither has happened. NHL insider David Pagnotta claims the trade market for Jarnkrok has been nearly nonexistent.
“As the Leafs try to shed salary and create roster space for other moves, Jarnkrok joins Kampf and Robertson on the Summer Trade Watch List,” Pagnotta wrote. “He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn’t been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.”
Jarnkrok was a healthy scratch at times. But he’s still a good third-line forward in the NHL who can play left or right wing. He’s also in the final year of his four-year, $8.4 million deal, but even though he only has one year left, the market for him hasn’t been what Toronto likely thought.
With the trade market for Jarnkrok not what the Maple Leafs thought, Toronto may have to attach an asset with the forward to get his contract off the books.
Jarnkrok recorded 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points in 19 games as he dealt with injuries. In the playoffs, he had 1 assist in 12 games.
Maple Leafs Coach Praises Jarnkrok
Jarnkrok dealt with injuries last season, as he was injured during training camp with a sports hernia.
In his return to the lineup, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has plenty of praise for Jarnkrok and the way he plays.
“He’s always in the right position; he’s got great hockey IQ,” Berube said. “He skated well tonight, I thought. I thought he was on pucks; he was tenacious and made some good plays, but he skated really well tonight for me.”
Despite Berube being impressed with Jarnkrok, he didn’t produce offensively, which made his role diminish. Yet, before he returned from injury, John Tavares was eager to see Jarnkrok back in the lineup for the Maple Leafs.
“We’re really excited for him,” added Tavares. “Obviously, it’s been a really difficult year. Coming to camp, you’re all excited and then feeling the way he was feeling and then have to go through the process he went through… He’s worked really hard and is a big part of our team. He plays a really valuable role, an unsung hero type of role for us.”
Jarnkrok has skated in 718 career games and has spent the last three years with the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs Added Depth Could Push Jarnkrok Out
Toronto could look to trade Jarnkrok and Kampf due to the additions the Maple Leafs made this offseason.
The Maple Leafs added the likes of Dakota Joshua, Mattias Maccelli, Michael Pezzetta, and Nic Roy who are all likely bottom-six forwards. Roy could play a similar role to Jarnkrok and Kampf, as Maple Leafs’ general manager Brad Treliving is excited to add him.
“He’s a guy that can match up. One thing he probably doesn’t get enough credit for? There’s some sneaky skill with him; he’s got good hands,” Treliving said. “He can play in tight. Kills penalties. Gives you a right-shot option in the faceoff circle. Can play against good players, can play with good players. So, there’s versatility to the player. We think he can be a real important player for us.”
The Maple Leafs still have just under $3 million in cap space.
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