Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors Linked to Anaheim Ducks

Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors took an unexpected turn in recent days with reports the Anaheim Ducks were seen scouting their latest 2-game road trip. It could be nothing more than business as usual with teams scouting one another, but these two organizations have a long trade history.

Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumors took a strange twist on Sunday when Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun reported that Anaheim Ducks scouting staff were seen at the Maple Leafs recent two-game road trip.

Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean a trade is brewing, but it certainly raises an eyebrow. After all, No other team swaps players with Toronto more often than Anaheim. To play it safe, we should probably assume that it’s nothing more than typical business as teams often scout one another for various reasons.

If there is, however, something brewing in the background, it’s worth noting that discussions could reach further than the likes of Cam Fowler or Hampus Lindholm. Should the conversation surround one of those left-handed defenders, things could get very interesting. Still, it would be difficult to imagine anything significant occurring since both Toronto and Anaheim have very limited cap space.

Nevertheless, let’s explore a few of the potential scenarios at play (if a trade is being discussed):

Hampus Lindholm

If GM Bob Murray is fielding offers on Hampus Lindholm, you can guarantee the return asking price is a top quality defender. Even if Jake Gardiner hadn’t abandoned the Ducks to sign with Toronto, it’s still unlikely he’d satisfy the Ducks needs. No, instead it would take the man performing as the Leafs second best defenseman (early in 2016-17), the future no.1 Morgan Rielly. That is precisely where the conversation starts and ends.

Cam Fowler

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There’s only one reason Leafs management would consider this deal, that’s if they believe Cam Fowler would be an upgrade on Jake Gardiner. A left-handed shot, Fowler is best suited being a no.3/4 on a second pairing, and it doesn’t make much sense to bring in another LHD unless you’re unloading one. Call this one unlikely folks.

Kevin Bieksa/Clayton Stoner

While rumors continue to swirl around Lindholm and Fowler, the truth might be that GM Bob Murray is looking to shed the massive contracts of Kevin Bieksa and Clayton Stoner.

So, how would something like this work? Bieksa and Stoner are signed for two more seasons (through 2017-18). If Toronto were to trade say Milan Michalek‘s $4 million dollar cap hit in its last season, both sides can make the money work but the Ducks get extra dollars off the books a year earlier. Because of that, Anaheim would give Toronto additional prospects or draft picks in the deal.

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Final Thoughts

If I had to guess, I would assume that nothing of significance will transpire. Given both clubs salary cap situations, it would take some masterful negotiating to find the right working pieces. Then again, there’s a reason teams hire folks to look after the cap who can help assist in these matters.

Whether it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs or someone else, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before something gives. The Anaheim Ducks can’t keep Hampus Lindholm on the sidelines much longer, so this is a situation worth keeping a close eye on as news could break at any moment.

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