The Toronto Maple Leafs could be in a potentially tough spot. The loss of Joseph Woll during Thursday night’s win over the Carolina Hurricanes has cast considerable doubt on the team’s goaltending situation.
While there is no indication of Woll’s injury, the concern could be that Woll might miss a prolonged period. Woll’s injury comes on top of Anthony Stolarz’s uncertain status. There is no indication that Stolarz is ready to return.
So, that situation leaves the Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation in limbo. But what if the Maple Leafs could pull off a hockey trade, one that could solve two problems in one shot?
That hockey trade could come with the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are going nowhere fast this season. They’re mired in a race to the bottom of the Western Conference. Their 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night came at the expense of Jordan Binnington giving up five goals on 27 shots.
That performance, plus Binnington’s tirade a few nights ago after getting pulled early, could speed up the ticking clock. As such, the Blues may really have no other choice but to trade their starting netminder.
That situation could open up an interesting possibility. Joseph Woll, a St. Louis native, could head the other way. While now may not be the best time to trade Woll, the Blues can afford to be patient. They can roll with Joel Hofer until Woll is ready. Of course, that is assuming the Maple Leafs goalie isn’t dealing with a long-term issue.
It’s an intriguing trade possibility. It would rid the Blues of a festering issue, while giving the Maple Leafs the sort of goalie they’ve lacked for a long time.
Binnington Could Get a Fresh Start in Toronto
The most immediate benefit for Jordan Binnington is getting a fresh start with the Maple Leafs. The club is trending in the right direction and has the potential to be a playoff contender. That’s something that could reinvigorate Binnington.
The former Stanley Cup winner has shown he’s money in the bank when it counts the most. NHL fans saw Binnington’s mettle during the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. So, who’s to say Binnington can’t go on a crazy run with the Maple Leafs?
Pushing the reset button in hockey’s most intense market could be just what the doctor ordered for Jordan Binnington.
Maple Leafs Would Need Some Cap Gymnastics to Fit Binnington’s Contract
The biggest roadblock for the Toronto Maple Leafs would be fitting Binnington’s cap hit. Woll currently makes $3.667 million. Binnington comes with a $6 million cap hit. Considering there’s a fat chance the Blues retain anything on Binnington, the Leafs will need some cap gymnastics to make the deal work.
That could mean a separate trade or multiple trades to move out undesired contracts. But if the opportunity is there to add Binnington, the Maple Leafs would do well to make it happen.
Unfortunately, Stolarz and Woll have proven to be injury-prone. So, a permanent solution is necessary. A goalie like Jordan Binnington could be that solution.
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