NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Shopping Winger

The Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to trade Nick Ritchie, according to Elliotte Friedman.

32 Thoughts HNIC version: Zacha & VAN/Nick Ritchie/Chiarot/Sarah Fillier/Hertl/Memorial Cup/World Cup/Ontario capacity: https://t.co/V2Wq9oKACF
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 13, 2022

Ritchie just hasn't been working out with the Maple Leafs. At this juncture, he is currently playing with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL and of course was waived back in early January. Friedman also noted that the 26-year-old has not formally requested a trade, but it may be best for both parties to move on.

Ritchie just signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Maple Leafs this past summer. The extra year on his deal may make it harder for Toronto to find him a new home, and this is especially true when remembering that he's struggling. Buying him out would cost the Leafs $300,000 on their salary cap next season, so it's also likely that they would not be willing to retain more than that in a hypothetical trade, which Friedman also noted.

After scoring a career-high 15 goals and having 26 points with the Boston Bruins last season, he has really slowed down this year. In 33 games, he has just two goals and seven helpers, so it's fair to say that he hasn't been living up to initial expectations.

Time will tell if Toronto can find a way to trade Ritchie, but it's now clear that they are trying to.