Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be active in trade market
The Toronto Maple Leafs are now John Chayka and Mats Sundin's team, and while there's already been significant roster changes this offseason, speculation continues that the Leafs continue to be active in trade discussions.
Chayka has never been shy throughout his NHL tenure, and now that he's back in the mix, he's been creating relationships with onlooking executives and has easily made multiple trades in Toronto. Dennis Hildeby moved, Simon Benoit dealt, Joseph Woll shipped out, Brandon Carlo traded, and now, there's still ongoing talks to see if Chayka can improve his roster before training camps open in a few weeks.
As far as trade candidates go, the Leafs are without cap space, but know that Max Domi is likely starting the season on the injured list, so that gives them the financial flexibility the Leafs need to be cap compliant for the season opener. If Chayka makes any trades leading into training camp, expect to see Dakota Joshua, Steven Lorentz, or Philippe Myers involved. All three are in tough to crack the Leafs lineup as regulars this season given the added depth among the bottom six, and Darren Raddysh, Emil Andrae added, and Ben Danford chomping at the bit.
As far as Morgan Rielly goes, trade talks have disappeared, and it feels like Rielly is going to start the season in Toronto. The longest-tenured Leaf submitted a list of four teams he'd be willing to waive his no-movement clause for, and despite the four Western Conference teams needing defenceman this summer, the Sharks addressed their needs via two big free-agent contracts and a trade, meanwhile the Anaheim Ducks seem like the only logical destination for Rielly at this point, if he does get moved.
The Leafs are certainly improved heading into next season, but that doesn't mean Chayka is going to sit on his hands and not try to improve his club. Toronto's expected to bounce back this season, make playoffs, and with Chayka having a two-year all-in plan, look for the Leafs GM to be open to just about anything on the trade market that's going to help win now for the blue and white.