Report: Maple Leafs Working on 2 Trades During Training Camp
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of their training camp as the team gets ready for the regular season, but the franchise is also active in the trade market.
The spotlight this time is on forward Nick Robertson and defenseman Connor Timmins, who might be moved before puck drops in October, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.
Speaking on NHL Network on Wednesday , Pagnotta said that the Leafs are exploring trade opportunities for both players as the team has run out of cap space (minus-$1.7 million as things stand) while also having a full roster with pending players left to sign, notably veteran Max Pacioretty.
"They don't have a ton of cap space," Pagnotta said. "They're looking for ways to create additional cap space, but also free up a bit of additional roster space."
Toronto currently has 23 players under contract , the maximum allowed by the NHL, and while they could send Timmins down to the minors for cap relief, Pagnotta believes Leafs general manager Brad Treliving would prefer to pursue "more long-term solutions" via trades.
Pagnotta's report aligns with the information shared by fellow insider Frank Seravalli, who reported on Sept. 10 that Robertson, despite signing a one-year deal, remains a trade candidate.
"Despite new contract, belief is Nick Robertson is still more likely to be traded than open the season with the #Leafs," Seravalli wrote on X. "There is still solid interest in Robertson. And it's always easier to trade an asset under contract as opposed to an RFA, which helped him sign."
Robertson addressed the trade rumors during media availability on Thursday.
"I'm not going to deep dive into ( the reported trade request) ," Robertson said. "I signed in Toronto. I'm happy to be in Toronto. Being back here a week ago, it's good to see everyone. I'm happy to be back."
We'll see how long that lasts.
Related: Maple Leafs' Upcoming Free Agent Not In Contract Talks YetThis story was originally published September 22, 2024, 4:15 AM.
