Maple Leafs have new top trade candidate or else it will cost them!

As the Toronto Maple Leafs head into another critical offseason, it’s clear that changes are coming. We’ve talked over and over about the future of pending free agents Mitch Marner and John Tavares, but one fan has noted how one underestimated veteran forward should be the Leafs’ first cap casualty. Toronto should be moving on from Calle Järnkrok — and not just because of his age or declining production, because especially because of looming $1.35 million signing bonus due on July 1st that could throw a wrench into Toronto’s already tight cap situation.

The 32-year-old forward has struggled to produce offensively during his time in Toronto, putting up just 67 points compared to the 211 he registered over eight seasons with the Predators in Nashville. Injuries haven’t helped, but even when healthy, he’s failed to find a consistent role.

Heading into the offseason, he’s become a luxury the Leafs can’t afford, especially with younger and cheaper options in the system.

The Maple Leafs may now have a new top trade chip since there is still a market for Järnkrok. With his cap hit sitting at the league minimum once the bonus is paid, some teams might see him as a smart short-term pickup. Pittsburgh makes sense given general manager Kyle Dubas’ familiarity with him. Nashville could be a natural reunion, with Barry Trotz now in charge and cap space to work with. Utah could also be a good landing spot where veteran stability in the dressing room and on the ice could be a game-changer.

Each of these destinations presents a plausible path for Toronto to not just dump salary, but potentially recoup a draft pick or low-end prospect in return. That’s a win in a flat-cap world.

With cap flexibility being the most valuable asset in the NHL, the Maple Leafs need to make tough decisions, and cutting ties with Järnkrok before July 1st seems necessary.