Huge trade proposed between Maple Leafs and Penguins.

It is the dead of August in terms of the National Hockey League news cycle and it is for that reason that we are seeing some pretty crazy ideas pop up, especially when it comes to potential trades before the start of the regular season.

The latest comes to us courtesy of former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jay Rosehill, who made it clear recently that he believes the Maple Leafs need to move on from a pair of their current roster players. Rosehill was asked for his opinion on a trade that would send both Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson and Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for veteran Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and based on Rosehill's answer I think there is no doubt he would make that deal in a heartbeat.

"I take that all day," said Rosehill. "Trying to get rid of Nick Robertson in general, he doesn't fit anywhere, who is he beating out for a roster spot? I just don't think he's going to be here."

Rosehill had no qualms about sending long-time Maple Leafs' defenseman Morgan Rielly packing either.

"Morgan Rielly has kind of stalled, makes $7.5 million, doesn't produce like he used to, sometimes has some brain-dead stuff going on in the D zone," said Rosehill bluntly. "I'm not trying to knock him or anything but he's just not the player that he was in the past."

That's all well and good but Rosehill's comments highlight one major flaw with this proposed trade deal, why would the Penguins ever accept such a trade?

Getting off the hook for Erik Karlsson's contract ($10 million average annual value) over the next 2 years would be a huge asset for a rebuilding team like the Penguins, but it would also required them to take on Rielly's contract ($7.5 million average annual value) for the next 5 seasons in order to do so.

The Penguins might be willing to make a move of this nature if the Maple Leafs included a high-end prospect or draft pick to help the Penguins build towards the future, but I don't believe that a 23 year old Nick Robertson who hasn't been able to earn a regular roster spot is going to be enough. Robertson has never played a full 82 game season at the NHL level and his inability to carve out a spot for himself on this roster as players have moved on over the years I believe speaks volumes.

What do you think of this proposed trade? Would you make it if you were either the Penguins or the Maple Leafs? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.