The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing a high-stakes game of chess with the salary cap, and their next move could be a big one. With just over $1.9 million in cap space, the Leafs are on the hunt for more, and that means a trade is on the horizon. The target? A skilled forward who could add another dimension to their lineup: Jack Roslovic.
But before they can even think about signing Roslovic, they need to clear some cap space, and that’s where things get interesting. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs are considering moving one of David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, or even the young and promising Nick Robertson.
Maple Leafs Rumors: Who is the Odd Man Out?
So who’s the odd man out? Let’s break it down. David Kampf, with two years left at $2.4 million AAV, is a reliable defensive forward, but his 10-team no-trade clause complicates things. Then there’s Calle Jarnkrok, who has one year remaining at a more manageable $2.1 million AAV. However, his injury history and his own 10-team no-trade clause make him a less-than-ideal trade chip.
That leaves us with Nick Robertson. The Leafs have been hesitant to part with the young winger, and for good reason. He’s got the kind of upside that could make a trade look foolish in a hurry. Robertson potted 15 goals in 69 games last season, and if he hits the 20-goal mark, he’ll be a valuable asset for any team. But that’s the rub, isn’t it? To get something, you have to give something up, and in this case, the Leafs might have to part with a player who’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
The Jack Roslovic Factor
So, why all this maneuvering for Jack Roslovic? The 27-year-old forward is a proven top-nine player who can chip in with 40-50 points a season. He’s a skilled playmaker with a nose for the net, and he’d be a perfect fit in the Leafs’ middle-six. He could provide some much-needed secondary scoring and take some of the pressure off the top line. The question is, can the Leafs clear the necessary cap space to make it happen? It’s a classic case of “watch this space,” as the next few weeks will be crucial for the Maple Leafs’ offseason plans.
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