The Toronto Maple Leafs are considering trading three players to free up cap space, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston. Currently, the Maple Leafs are $1.5 million over the salary cap, as reported by CapFriendly. This figure includes Jani Hakanpaa’s contract, which hasn’t been finalized due to injury concerns.
Johnston reports that Toronto is open to trading Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren to create the needed cap space. He clarifies, “They would consider moving Kampf, Jarnkrok, or Timothy Liljegren if the right deal comes along. It’s not that they are trying to offload them at any cost, but given the Leafs’ tight salary cap situation, they need to get creative to address changes, especially in their forward lineup.” This statement was made on The Chris Johnston Show on July 4.
Johnston also added, “Players like these could be available, but there’s no indication that any deals are imminent. The Leafs were open to this idea at the start of the offseason. These players have valuable contracts, but if trading them can provide a cap advantage, the Leafs might proceed.”
Jarnkrok has two years remaining on his contract, earning $2.1 million per season. Kampf has a similar two-year deal worth $2.4 million annually. Liljegren, the only defenseman mentioned, recently signed a new two-year deal at $3 million per season but remains a subject of trade speculation.
Before his extension, Liljegren was already in trade rumors but expressed his desire to stay with the Maple Leafs. “Toronto was always where I wanted to be, and I’m happy we finalized the deal. I made significant strides last year despite injuries,” Liljegren shared.
In the 2023-24 season, Liljegren tallied 3 goals and 20 assists for 23 points in 55 games.
If Jarnkrok and Kampf stay, they are expected to fill bottom-six forward roles. Jarnkrok is projected to be the third-line right winger and participate in the second power-play and penalty kill units. He scored 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 52 games last season. Kampf, projected as the fourth-line center and a key penalty killer, recorded 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 78 games last season.