The Toronto Maple Leafs have some goalie issues and could look to a division rival to make an intriguing move.
Heavy.com has a trade idea that sees the Maple Leafs acquiring goalie Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres.
Maple Leafs acquire:
Sabres acquire:
- Nick Robertson
- Dennis Hildeby
- 2027 fifth-round pick
The proposed deal would be an intriguing one as Toronto would acquire Levi to potentially be the team’s future goalie, while Buffalo gets an NHL forward, a young goalie, and a mid-round pick.
Toronto would acquire Levi, who’s in the first year of his two-year, $1.625 million deal. The 23-year-old is in the AHL, and his path to the NHL is blocked and could be moved. Levi is an upgrade over Hildeby as a goalie prospect and could cement the goalie position with Joseph Woll still working his way back.
In return, the Maple Leafs would give up Robertson, whose name has come up in trade rumors. Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million extension, but he could be dealt. Robertson would be a middle-six forward for the Sabres and add some much-needed scoring to the roster. He’s recorded 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 10 games.
The Sabres would also acquire Hildeby to be the starting goalie in the AHL and replace Levi as the potential future goalie. Hildeby is 24 and went 3-3 with a 3.33 GAA and a .878 SV% last year with the Maple Leafs. His timing works out to pair with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in a year or two when Alex Lyon leaves.
Levi Reportedly Requests Trade From Sabres
Levi was supposed to be a star goalie for the Sabres, but so far, it hasn’t worked out.
Although he is young, Levi was frustrated that he’s back in the AHL. He is reportedly requesting a trade from Buffalo.
“Rumor has it that Devon Levi asked to be moved prior to returning to Rochester,” After The Whitsle reported on X.
If the rumor is true, several teams would likely be after Levi, as he does have some hype as a future starting goalie in the NHL.
But, whether or not the Sabres would even want to trade Levi right now is uncertain, as he’s young and projects to be a key part of the future.
Maple Leafs Goaltending Off to Worrying Start
Toronto is off to a slow start this season, and a big reason why is its goaltending.
Woll has yet to play a game as he just returned to the team, while Stolarz and Cayden Primeau have struggled. Stolarz’s struggles are more concerning, according to The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel.
“There was bound to be some regression for Stolarz this season, especially as he absorbed a larger load in the early going in Joseph Woll’s absence,” Siegel wrote. “And while Stolarz has been hung out to dry far too often. An .886 save percentage through eight starts is below expectation for the goalie the Leafs recently signed to a four-year extension. Shots that are beating him these days weren’t last season.”
If the Maple Leafs are going to turn it around, Toronto will need better goaltending. Perhaps the team makes a move for a goalie to help solidify the position.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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