Maple Leafs Management 'Likes' Ducks' Jacob Trouba: Report

Trouba, currently in the sixth year of a seven-year, $56 million contract, carries an $8 million annual cap hit. The Leafs have some cap space ($1.5 million according to PuckPedia) but not enough to fit Trouba into their roster.

The Ducks acquired the 29-year-old from the New York Rangers earlier this season in exchange for defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick taking Trouba's full cap hit. 

However, Simmons notes that Anaheim might find suitors in trade negotiations ahead of the March 8 deadline as long as they retain a significant portion of his salary.

Trouba has recorded six assists in 25 games this season but the Leafs won't require him to produce points at a higher rate, rather valuing his physicality and shutdown defensive skills.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, however, has expressed enthusiasm about Trouba’s role in Anaheim, making it sound hard to believe the franchise will move him before the season is over.

“When a player of this caliber comes available, I wanted to help our team and I think he improves our team,” Verbeek said, via NHL.com. “I think overall it gives our team a lot more rigid physical play to the rest of our group.

”I think [Trouba is] going to be able to add another layer of leadership to our entire group and with a different voice. I think it's important.

”I think our group's really excited about bringing Jacob in.”