Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov sent the NHL world into a frenzy after it was reported that he requested a trade and wouldn’t re-sign with the team. It was a major shock for everyone as Kucherov is the latest player to request a move after Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin expressed their desire to move on.
Kucherov, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Hart Trophy winner, has recorded over 100 points the last four seasons and six times over his 13-year NHL career. Naturally, who wouldn’t want a player of that calibre on their team and viewed as a top-five player in the league. There was some clarity as to who could potentially be involved.
Friedman Links Maple Leafs to Kucherov
During Saturday Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman touched on the Kucherov news with the possibility of some early frontrunners that could be in on the highly skilled, playmaking winger.
Kucherov has a 10-team trade list, but Friedman believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are teams that Kucherov would consider playing for if both teams offered a trade package that would appeal to the Lightning.
Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The Maple Leafs’ main priority should be to acquire a sound, puck-moving defenseman. Though, acquiring a player like Kucherov to an already impressive unit with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Kirill Marchenko– a client of Dan Milstein as well– would instantly make them even more dangerous up front.
What Could the Maple Leafs Offer?
It’s already been reported that the Maple Leafs do have assets within the organization that they could offer in a big-splash kind of move. However, Kucherov is going to come with a hefty price given his resume.
When it comes to futures, the Maple Leafs could use the first-round pick they got from the Colorado Avalanche as well as their second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft as draft assets for a package. Though it may require multiple firsts which the Maple Leafs don’t have.
Prospect-wise, they have a lot to consider. Could they consider moving on from Ben Danford in this situation, or keep him to find help on the blueline? They could use Tinus Luc Koblar as a potential piece. He had a fantastic World Hockey Championship and has continued to elevate his play against senior level competition in the SHL. Miroslav Holinka is another prospect that has continued to show improvement with his development and could be a player with a lot of potential and upside.
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Easton Cowan (Rob Gray-Imagn Images)
There would have to be a player or two that could be moved from the roster in order to make room. Could this come in the form of Easton Cowan? He’s having a really strong start to the season, though his style of play, skillset and tenacity would instantly draw the attention of any team. The best thing to do is to keep him, but when a player like Kucherov is available, you have to consider it.
The same thing goes for Jack Roslovic. He has shown great chemistry re-uniting with Matthews, but Kucherov would be an instant upgrade over him on the right side as the marquee playmaker for one of the league’s top goal scorers.
Maple Leafs Could Wait Until Free Agency
Whether or not the pieces above are enough to bring in Kucherov, the Maple Leafs could also play the waiting game until he hits the open market. If Kucherov is really interested in playing for the Maple Leafs and the Lightning are adamant about not moving him, then they could sign him in the offseason.
The Lightning previously let Steven Stamkos walk and got nothing in return for him and the same thing could happen again with Kucherov. It would be a mistake to not get a haul for a top-tier player, but it would be a big win for the Maple Leafs if they could keep their assets and sign an elite-level player.
There’s a lot to deliberate when acquiring a big-name player like Kucherov, but if the Maple Leafs are indeed a team he would like to play for, you do everything you can to bring him in.
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