It seems very unlikely that the Toronto Maple Leafs are done making moves. Via insider James Mirtle: he does not believe that the Leafs forward additions of Maccelli, Roy and Joshua to be it. It appears a bigger move could be on the horizon.
The question is what kind of move could the Leafs pursue. If the Leafs are to make any more additions to the lineup, it will likely be a splash. They have more than enough depth pieces scattered throughout their roster, top end star power is probably what they are looking for.
Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports has a blockbuster trade proposal for Toronto that would shock Leafs nation. In this mock trade, the Leafs acquire a legendary Russian forward on the last legs of his career.
Toronto acquires: Evgeni Malkin
Pittsburgh acquires: Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, 2027 2nd rounder
Why would the Leafs make this trade?
Evgeni Malkin is approaching the end of his career. The 39 year old is coming off a 16 goal 34 assist season for 50 points in 68 games last year. He is well past his prime, but can still play in a top 6 role and give the Leafs that added scoring punch they desire. Not to mention for Toronto the impact of having a champion in the locker room such as Evgeni can have on the room come playoff time. A trade to Toronto would give Malkin one last shot to go Cup chasing in what could be his final season with an expiring contract approaching next summer. He will not get that chance on what is expected to be a bottom dweller in Pittsburgh.
For Pittsburgh, this trade would be a tough decision to make. The thought of Malkin spending his entire career as a Penguin like Crosby has to be alluring despite the rebuilding situation the club appears to be entering. But if Malkin wants to win while he still can, it won’t happen in the Steel city. The Pens would have another reason to part with Malkin in that moving on from him would greatly increase their Gavin McKenna odds. This scenario can be likened to the 2023 trade deadline when the Chicago Blackhawks parted with franchise legend Patrick Kane. They went on to win the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
The Pens do get some compensation as well with Calle Jarnkrok, a young player who needs a change of scenery in Nick Robertson and needed draft capital. It’s a solid return for a player whose retirement is looming. We’ll see what happens with Malkin this season in what may be his swansong in Pittsburgh.
