Rumor: Toronto Maple Leafs To Trade For Johnny Gaudreau

The trade deadline is near and the rumor mill is spinning off the rails. There are a number of players on the trade market, but this is the first rumor involving Johnny Gaudreau. Many are skeptical of a possible transaction between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Scott Burnside of The Athletic believes it could happen before the deadline.

Does Johnny Hockey fit in Toronto? What would the cost be? In Burnside's latest article, he believes the Flames can maximize their return on Gaudreau at the deadline as he still has one more year left on his contract. It is rumored that he would like to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers once he reaches UFA status. If the Flames wait until next season to trade him, the return will be much less as he will be a de facto rental player.

If this deal is to occur, the Flames would have to retain 50% of Gaudreau's $6.75 million cap hit and possibly take Alex Kerfoot's $3.5 million contract. The Leafs would also have to give up Rasmus Sandin or Nick Robertson, along with an early draft pick.

The likelihood of this trade appears to be very slim. The Maple Leafs are not likely to hedge their future against a player they will have for just one year. Further, the Leafs need to add depth to their defense core and securing a reliable 1b goaltender should be on their agenda. Gaudreau is a great player, but the Leafs have enough offensive weapons. If they can get him cheap; great. However, Johnny Hockey isn't a cheap name and Brad Treliving isn't in the discount business.

Four weeks from today is the NHL's trade deadline. Here are some trade thoughts to chew on as we wait for the real action to begin. And don't forget The Athletic's new $1 per month offer. https://t.co/Ua7Kz5cUYZ
— Scott Burnside (@OvertimeScottB) March 15, 2021