The Leafs Nation evaluates mock trade proposals with CapWages

On the surface, this isn’t a bad trade in terms of the assets the Leafs would be giving to St. Louis for one of the better wingers in the NHL in Kyrou. Beyond the issue of a lack of cap space that would need to be addressed in other trades, it’s unknown if Kyrou would be willing to be coached by Craig Berube again. Things were uneasy between the two when the latter was fired by the Blues, so Kyrou would likely not waive his no-trade clause in this instance.

‪@donlafrance1.bsky.social‬ on Bluesky: Morgan Rielly, David Kampf and a first-round pick to the Canucks for Elias Pettersson

There is no way that this trade would ever happen in real life purely because the Canucks are committed to keeping Elias Pettersson as the centrepiece of their team going forward. Vancouver had the chance to move him before his no-move clause kicked in, but they let it pass so the centre is not going anywhere. Even if he does demand a trade, this hypothetical package from the Leafs would not be close to enough.

@DanielJw222 on X: Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, Artur Akhtyamov, rights to Topi Niemela, and a first-round pick to the Penguins for Bryan Rust

That is a lot of assets that the Leafs would be giving up, with Akhtyamov being the toughest to give up as he is the most valuable asset beyond the first-round pick in this trade. I would imagine Toronto would want someone a bit better than Rust, especially given that he is on the wrong side of 30. The Penguins are the only clear sellers and they are in a position of strength so this is the kind of trade that Leafs fans could dread for years to come if came to fruition. 

@tatsgilmore‬ on Instagram: Nick Robertson, David Kampf and a second-round pick to the Flames for Nazem Kadri

I was pleasantly surprised to see that CapWages would lean towards possible for this Kadri mock trade, but I still don’t see a reunion happening. Beyond the fact that the Leafs and Flames have yet to do business together since Treliving took over, Calgary would likely want more than a Kampf to even consider moving their first-line centre. It’s also unknown if Kadri is even open to returning to his original trade so the chances of this coming to fruition are slim.

@ACParker13 on X: Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, and David Kampf to the Predators for Michael Bunting and rights to Luke Evangelista

This trade idea isn’t that outlandish, though a lot of this hinges on what contract Evangelista would get afterwards since he is currently an RFA. It would address the Predators’ needs down the middle, reunite them with a former player, and get some additional scoring with a bit of upside. Toronto is reunited with Bunting while Evangelista also has some promise that could mesh well in the middle-six. It’s plausible and within reason, but I wouldn’t hold my breath that this happens, though you never know with Barry Trotz as Nashville’s GM.

@holtzy88 on X: Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and a second-round pick to the Blackhawks for Tyler Bertuzzi

Another trade involving a former Leaf returning to Toronto, and this one is also somewhat logical, though a bit pricey with the second-round pick included. There were rumblings of Chicago using a buyout on Bertuzzi, suggesting they would be open to moving him even though he’s only one year into a four-year contract signed in the summer of 2024. There is a world where a trade like this could happen but the Leafs would likely give up a third-round pick instead.

@CarloConforti2 on X: Morgan Rielly and Nick Robertson to the Penguins for Erik Karlsson (20% retained)

I agree with CapWages’ assessment that the likelihood of this trade is very unlikely, but for a different reason: Morgan Rielly likely wouldn’t accept a trade out of Toronto. Even if he changes his mind and accepts a reunion with Kyle Dubas, Erik Karlsson would be a divisive figure among Leafs fans even at 20% retention. I understand the rationale of adding a puck-moving defenceman of Karlsson’s calibre, but there are surely better options who are a bit younger available.

@jacksonmclarkk on X: Nick Robertson to the Blue Jackets for Yegor Chinakhov

This is my favourite trade of the bunch and CapWages’ model also likes the chances of it happening in reality. It addresses the needs of both teams, the two players involved would get a fresh start, and there is a decent chance that everyone will be happy with the outcome when it’s all said and done. The Leafs may need to add an asset to get it over the line, but the Blue Jackets may be willing to do a one-for-one if the circumstances present themselves.