The Toronto Maple Leafs might not be done reshaping their roster this summer, with two key defensemen potentially on the trading block.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos reports the Leafs are considering moving either Morgan Rielly or Brandon Carlo to boost their offensive firepower.
It’s a move that makes sense. The team is still trying to fill the massive hole left by Mitch Marner’s departure – he put up an impressive 102 points last season with 27 goals and 75 assists.
Carlo might be the easier player to move. He’s got a reasonable $3.485 million cap hit for the next two years and only has an eight-team no-trade list. Rielly’s contract includes a full no-movement clause, making any potential deal more complicated.
The 26-year-old Carlo has been solid for Toronto since joining the team. He averaged just over 19 minutes of ice time per game and was one of their best shot-blockers in the playoffs. He’s also been reliable on the penalty kill, logging nearly two minutes per game.
But the Leafs need scoring, and they don’t have many trade chips to work with.
The front office has already made several moves to make the team more well-rounded. Still, replacing Marner’s offensive output won’t be easy.
There’s still plenty of time before the season starts for the Leafs to make something happen. With the trade market still active, don’t be surprised if Toronto makes another big move before opening night.
