Trade Proposal Sees Lars Eller Moving to Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to make moves to strengthen their forward group this offseason. However, a recent trade proposal suggests that the team could acquire two forwards and a draft pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Using the PuckPedia tool PuckGM, one user proposed a trade where the Maple Leafs would receive:

– Lars Eller
– Matt Nieto
– 2027 third-round pick

In exchange, the Penguins would get:

– Nick Robertson
– Rasmus Holmberg

This proposed trade would see Toronto and Pittsburgh exchanging two forwards, but with Toronto also receiving a draft pick. Robertson, an RFA who has expressed no desire to re-sign with the Maple Leafs, recorded 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games last season. Holmberg, who played 54 games with Toronto, notched 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points.

For the Maple Leafs, Eller, a Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals in 2018, would be a valuable addition. He is in the final year of his two-year, $4.9 million contract and could slot in as Toronto’s third-line center, having tallied 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 82 games last season.

Nieto, while expected to be a fourth-line winger or a healthy scratch, brings veteran experience with 673 NHL games under his belt. Last season, he managed 1 goal and 3 assists in 22 games.

Robertson’s Request for a Trade
Robertson, 22, who was drafted 53rd overall by the Maple Leafs in 2020, has asked for a trade due to his dissatisfaction with his current role and his intention not to re-sign with Toronto. Despite Robertson’s potential, he hasn’t been given a consistent spot in the lineup.

Chris Johnston reported on July 1 that Robertson has no plans to re-sign with the Leafs and has requested a trade. Despite this, Leafs GM Brad Treliving still believes Robertson can play a significant role for the team. Treliving acknowledged Robertson’s frustration but remains hopeful about his potential contributions.

Robertson has played 87 NHL games, recording 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points.

Penguins GM Reacquires Familiar Faces
Kyle Dubas, now the Penguins’ GM, previously served as the Leafs’ GM from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure, Dubas was involved in drafting both Holmberg in 2018 and Robertson in 2020. His familiarity with these players aligns with his goal to rejuvenate the Penguins while ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Dubas expressed that balancing immediate competitiveness with sustainable success is crucial for the Penguins’ future, following their failure to make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season with a record of 38-32-12.