The Toronto Maple Leafs had a quiet trade day this season and didn’t make a big move to acquire a superstar this offseason. They added some depth in Connor Dewar, Joel Edmundson and Ilya Lyubushkin to bolster their lineup this season. However, they haven’t added the pieces that would move the needle in a way that would make them Stanley Cup favorites heading into the postseason.
The Vegas Golden Knights had an unofficial win at the 2024 trade deadline when they brought in Anthony Mantha and Noah Hanifin, but they shocked the hockey world by signing with the San Jose Sharks to acquire superstar forward Tomas Hertl.In the trade, the Sharks. acquired a 2025 first-round pick and David Edstrom 17% for Hertl, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
While the Maple Leafs were tight on cap space this season and had to be smart with their money, the lack of a player of the caliber of Hertl coming back should be enough to say that the Maple Leafs should have tried to make something work. With retention in mind, the Golden Knights received $6.75 million in Hertl’s contract over the next six seasons. The Maple Leafs could have tried to get something realistic with the Sharks.
TJ Brodie and Tyler Bertuzzi are making at least $5 million and could be brought in to make the deal work, and even if it’s tough, they should be tried.Of course, you could argue that he shouldn’t have opted out of his contract . no-trade clause and could have terminated a deal with the Maple Leafs.
However, if he wanted to leave the Sharks to join a competitor, the Maple Leafs should have at least tried to make something happen. After their incredible trade day, the Golden Knights have become the postseason favorites with the Maple Leafs right behind them..
