NHL Trade Rumours: Leafs, Yakupov, Kings, Brodeur
The recent firing of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle has driven an onslaught of rumours surrounding potential changes in Leafland. In other trade speculation, Montreal could be asking Edmonton for a deal with Nail Yakupov in it while with St. Louis’ Brian Elliott back from injury, will the Blues trade Martin Brodeur? I summarized all these topics right here.
Rumour: Toronto Maple Leafs Assessing Options; Trade With Kings a Possibility
Less than a month ago, the Leafs beat the Kings to win their fifth game in a row. However, since then they seem to have been going off the cliff for the third time in Carlyle’s tenure and according to sources such as HockeyBuzz.com, the Leafs and Kings could be in the middle of big trade talks. It is not certain whether the Leafs are still planning to seriously contend for a playoff spot this year, but they will definitely be making changes.
Who could be in this potential Leafs-Kings deal? HockeyBuzz was not too specific, so let’s put pieces together ourselves. The most obvious player the Kings probably want to trade is Mike Richards, who is overpaid, but has an important role on the team’s bottom six. He could provide some value for the Leafs, but they will probably have to give up cap in return. Joffrey Lupul comes to mind, as part of the Leafs’ offensive core, he has underachieved this season. Cody Franson is also a candidate. As an upcoming free agent, Franson will want more money after being considered underpaid in previous contracts with the Leafs, so shipping him will be an option if they do not have too much cap room.
So is a blockbuster in store for the Kings and Leafs? A likely scenario would see Richards, a defenceman like Robyn Regehr, and some prospects go to the Leafs for Lupul and Franson. Who knows, maybe Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri will be involved? The Colorado Avalanche are also rumoured to be in talks with the Leafs.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Martin Brodeur May Be On His Way Out of St. Louis, What Happens Next?
Brian Elliott is coming back from injury, and most general managers do not like having a three-goalie rotation becomes it takes up an unnecessary spot on the roster.
The logical thing the Blues may do is try to trade Brodeur before releasing him in case they get some sort of return. Mike Hrankiwskyj listed some potential landing spots for the legend, so stay posted.
Rumour: Are the Habs Serious About Yakupov?
Recent speculation suggests that the Montreal Canadiens are thinking about acquiring Oilers youngster Nail Yakupov. I personally think that it will be better off for Yakupov in that environment because of less pressure and Michel Therrien’s style of coaching, as well as because he will be reunited with Sarnia Sting teammate and friend Alex Galchenyuk.
However, after another very disappointing season for the former first overall pick, his trade value is very low and the Oilers may be hesitant to trade him.