NHL trade rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Tyler Toffoli

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames nearly traded for Taylor Hall, but fell just short. They’re in the midst of a heated race in the Pacific Division that could come down to the wire. Ergo, expect the Flames to be active at the trade deadline. Trading Michael Frolik suggests they wanted to create some cap space this season. Maybe it’s for Toffoli?

In a recent Insider Trading segment on TSN, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun linked Toffoli to the Flames. It’s well known they are in the market for a top-six forward, especially after clearing Frolik’s cap hit.

Toffoli would make a lot of sense for the Flames for several reasons. First of all, it’s not secret Calgary is desperately looking for a right-handed shot. The Flames are the only team in the NHL who don’t have a single forward in their usual lineup who shoots right-handed. Toffoli is a righty, so that alone should peak the Flames interest in him.

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, the Flames need more scoring out of their top six. Toffoli would help them out there. His 27 points would currently be the fifth-highest in Calgary, who are struggling to score goals. As of Jan. 22, they are 23rd in the NHL in scoring goals.

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche missed out on Taylor Hall. Much like the Flames, expect them to be aggressive and try to add someone. The Avalanche have already been tied to Toffoli according to multiple sources.

Colorado is a fairly inexperienced team in the postseason, as most of their players have only been to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Toffoli could give them a strong option on the right side and provide them with some of the experience that they’re looking for.

Best of all, the price will likely be quite reasonable for Toffoli. Remember, the reason the Avalanche didn’t trade for Hall was that they weren’t comfortable giving up both a first-round pick and a top prospect. Toffoli would probably cost them neither, and at most would cost them one (most likely the former).

His 27 points this season would rank sixth overall on the Avalanche and would put him fifth among their forwards. Acquiring Toffoli would give them a right side to be reckoned with, as he’d join a group that already includes Mikko Rantanen and Joonas Donskoi. However, as the Avs learned when Donskoi got injured, their depth on the right side needs some more scoring. Toffoli seems like he’d be a great fit for them.

Boston Bruins

Several things are an annual tradition in Boston. Things like the Boston Marathon and the Boston Bruins trading for a top six forward. This year should be no different in the Northeast, as the Bruins are looking to add someone to their second line to provide some more scoring.

General Manager Don Sweeney has proven he’s not afraid to part with first-round picks, so Chris Kreider isn’t out of the question. However, if he’s smart, he’ll take a look at Toffoli as well. Toffoli isn’t as physical as Kreider, but he has been a part of a Stanley Cup-winning team.

Another reason why Toffoli might be a better fit than Kreider is that Toffoli is right-handed. The Bruins have a surplus of left-handed forwards even before you factor in the potential addition of Kreider. Toffoli would give them a right-handed option to play on the right wing on the second line.

Furthermore, Toffoli could add something to the Bruins’ second power play unit. Their first PP unit is fantastic, but their second unit, like many, isn’t as good. Toffoli could give them a really good option there.

His cap hit could be a bit of an issue, but if the Kings are willing to retain salary to get a slightly better return, he’d be a nice fit on the Bruins if they can’t get Kreider.

St. Louis Blues

The other four teams have at least been linked to Tyler Toffoli. However, the St. Louis Blues have not been linked yet, as of the writing of this article. It’s a bit strange because I think the Blues would make a ton of sense as a Toffoli suitor.

First of all, the Blues haven’t really been able to replace Vladimir Tarasenko on the right side. To be fair, that’s a heck of a job for anyone. But still, the Central Division could wind up being a tough one down the stretch. It would be wise for the Blues to see if they can squeeze Toffoli into their lineup.

But what about when Tarasenko returns (likely at the end of the season or beginning of the playoffs)? He would rejoin Brayden Schenn on the top forward line. Toffoli could be a nice fit with Ryan O’Reilly. Or if that doesn’t work out, he could bring some scoring touch to the third line.

The Blues don’t really need much help, so giving up a lot doesn’t make much sense. But if general manager Doug Armstrong acts quickly and decisively, he could get Toffoli for a reasonable price and help his team’s chances of repeating.