Leafs learn they could trade Kapanen for interesting return

​Doing it is another thing…

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Leafs learn they could trade Kapanen for interesting return
Zuma Press

There was a sense of panic in Toronto after the Maple Leafs lost to the Colorado Avalanche and fell one point out of the playoffs. Trade chatter intensified, especially when it came to their backup goalie options. 

Even ahead of last night’s win in Vancouver over the Canucks, head coach Sheldon Keefe made a comment that made it seem like he wanted management to get going on finding a new backup on the trade market. 

When asked if starter Frederik Andersen is willing to take on an heavier load this season, Keefe let this slip:

“I haven’t talked to him about that. We’re taking it a day at a time. But also knowing that it’s imperative for us to get things moving with a second goaltender that can come in and play well.”

While Freddie did great last night against the Canucks, the need for an upgrade in between the pipes to support him prompted Elliotte Friedman to reveal in his latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet that another team general manager has mentioned that the Leafs could very easily trade Kasperi Kapanen. 

While you have to believe Kapanen would bring an interesting return - more than just a backup goalie - Friedman made sure to explain that it is not something the Maple Leafs are looking to do. 

“Not that they want to, but when things were going poorly for the Maple Leafs, another GM said Toronto learned it could trade Kasperi Kapanen  very easily. “But they don’t want to,” he added.”

It remains good for Leafs management to know they have a coveted piece on their roster that could be used in a blockbuster trade later on… 

Source: Sportsnet