So, full disclosure, I’m a Chicago fan, so if this proposal sounds a little far-fetched, I can understand how some might rule it out because of my obvious conflict of interest. But since I’m a nobody hockey fan in Renfrew, Ontario, not many are going to take note of the conflict nor would they likely care.
We have a trade.
TO THE LEAFS
Patrick Kane, Jake McCabe, Max Domi
Hawks retain 50% on all three. That means $5.25 million for Kane, unless a third team helps. $2 million for McCabe, again minus a third team helping. And $1.5 million for Domi, minus a third team. The Leafs get a top-six scorer, a shutdown defender, and a middle-six face-off whiz with playmaking/scoring plus sandpaper, plus a last name that resonates. This could get the Leafs past both Tampa and Boston and beyond.
TO THE HAWKS
Toronto’s 2023 first round pick, Matthew Knies, Timothy Liljegren
The Leafs have cap relief of $7,171,627 with Jake Muzzin, Matt Murray, Nick Robertson, and Victor Mete all being on Injured Reserve. Liljegren makes $1.4 million in salary with a year left after this one.
Kane is UFA after this season, so is Domi. McCabe has two years left after this year.
Trading Liljegren gives the Leafs about $8.6 million to do the deal. With retention, the Hawks are sending $8.75 million of salary Toronto’s way.
For $150,000, Toronto gets to purge their playoff misery, and Dubas, I’m sure, can find the loose change in the console of whatever he drives.
C’mon Kyle! Save your job! Pull the trigger and you get to sit in the lead car of the parade.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE
None of Kane, McCabe, or Domi ever played for the Soo Greyhounds.
RECAP
Maple Leafs acquire Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari from St. Louis for a handshake of picks over the next couple of years. Pretty much wrecks my perfectly good trade idea.
NEWSMAGRENFREW 