NHL Trade Rumor: Where Will Eric Staal Go?

Oct 14, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate after defeating the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs

Okay so this is kind of cheating since this rumor is already out there and it’s no secret the Leafs covet a top-two center.  Currently they are employing Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak in those roles and the team is off to a sluggish start.  Toronto has been searching for that big, number one center since Mats Sundin left the organization in 2008.  Undoubtedly Staal fits that bill and would create a jolt of excitement for a team trying to erase the sour taste of last season.

The issue for the Leafs is they can’t acquire Staal now without shedding significant salary in the process.  Bozak seems firmly entrenched as the top pivot, leaving Kadri as a likely candidate to be moved in any potential Staal deal.  Additionally young defenseman Jake Gardiner would most likely need to be included in any deal (plus it appears the coaching staff is not in awe of the young Gardiner).  So a deal that makes sense for both sides would look like:

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Carolina acquires Kadri, Gardiner, 2015 first round pick, 2015 fourth round pick and retains $500,000 of Staal’s salary in order to make the deal cap compliant

Toronto acquires Staal

Carolina begins the post-Eric Staal era with two young, solid roster players, a first round pick in a deep draft, and an extra pick as the cost of retaining salary.  Toronto finally adds the number one center it covets and will have no problem handing Staal a blank check next summer to retain his services.  A win-win for everyone involved.