Rumor: Maple Leafs Trading for Big Name Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be very active this offseason as management is not satisfied with the team's current state. According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the Leafs are likely to land a big name via trade and could shock their fan base come opening night with the addition. 

A Few Big Names the Maple Leafs are Likely Considering:

Evander Kane: A rumored trade sending Morgan Rielly to the San Jose Sharks for Kane surfaced last week and by the sounds of it, will all stem on if Nick Foligno decides to take a discount to stay in Toronto. If Foligno stays, he'll fit in on the second-line next season and the Leafs won't need Kane. However the team likes him as a replacement if Foligno decides to head back to Columbus this summer. The Sharks winger would provide an upgrade to the physicality and toughness of the team and his 22 goals in 56 games could easily become 30-35 in an 82 game season. 

Vladimir Tarasenko: From all accounts it sounds like the St Louis Blues would prefer to move on from Tarasenko this offseason. The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract, paying him $7.5 million per season. He's been banged up in recent years with a shoulder issue, but that could drive his market price down. The Leafs have the assets to make this deal work, it's just going to come down to if there's enough money to go around.

Viktor Arvidsson: The Predators would love to get Rielly off the hands of the Leafs and an Arvidsson swap may be enough to entice them. While half of Leafs Nation would say 'who?', the other half would know he's a 28-year-old speedy winger who plays tough. He's signed for three more seasons at a reasonable $4.25 million and last season scored 25 points in 50 games. He's two years removed from scoring 34 goals in 58 games and could easily get back to these types of numbers with more power-play minutes. 

Conor Garland: One of the best young talents in the game, the Leafs tried to acquire the 25-year-old at the trade deadline and couldn't come to terms with the Arizona Coyotes. They settled on Foligno and the rest is history. Garland is as fast as they come and is blossoming into a fine talent. He quietly tallied 39 points in 49 games this season and then lit up the World Championships for Team USA, recording 13 points in 10 games. The speedy winger is a restricted free-agent and will be looking for a raise this offseason.

Roope Hintz: Another big name in one market and unheard of in another. Hintz was a force for the shorthanded Dallas Stars this season, recording 43 points in 41 games. Dallas has a huge need for defenseman as they have numerous pending free-agents and the Leafs happen to have some depth. Hintz is only 24, is 6'3 and plays center and left-wing. He'd be the perfect fit for the Leafs next season.

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