Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Blockbuster Deal to Strengthen Blue Line, Target Jamie Oleksiak
The Toronto Maple Leafs are focused on boosting their defense and goaltending this offseason, and a recent trade proposal could add another star defenseman to their roster. A trade pitched by a user on PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggests the Maple Leafs acquire Jamie Oleksiak from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a package that includes a top prospect and two future draft picks.
Proposed Trade:
– Maple Leafs acquire: Jamie Oleksiak (with $2.3 million retained)
– Kraken acquire: Topi Niemela, 2026 first-round pick, 2026 third-round pick
The proposed deal would mark a significant move for Toronto, signaling their “all-in” mentality for the 2024-25 season. Oleksiak, a towering 6-foot-7 defenseman from Toronto, is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $23 million contract. Bringing him in would strengthen the Maple Leafs’ blue line, likely positioning him as a second-pairing defenseman, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson could shift to the third pairing.
Last season, Oleksiak tallied 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) across 82 games for the Kraken, proving his value as a reliable defensive asset. His addition could give Toronto the defensive depth they’ve been looking for.
In exchange, Toronto would send two draft picks and Topi Niemela, a 22-year-old defenseman who has shown considerable promise in the AHL. Niemela racked up 39 points (8 goals, 31 assists) in 68 games last season and is on the cusp of making an NHL impact.
Coach Craig Berube Brings Intensity to Leafs Training Camp
Newly appointed Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, a Stanley Cup-winning coach, has already set the tone in training camp. After taking over from Sheldon Keefe, Berube emphasized the need for hard work and competitiveness, attributes he believes will define the team’s identity this season.
“I was very happy with the first day overall. Guys really worked,” Berube said after his first week of training camp.
Veteran forward Ryan Reaves echoed Berube’s sentiments, calling it the hardest practice he’s ever been a part of, signaling a shift in the team’s culture and approach to the upcoming season.
Kraken’s Aggressive Offseason Moves
The Seattle Kraken, who missed the playoffs last season, have made significant moves of their own. The team signed Stanley Cup winners Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour to long-term contracts, adding depth and championship experience to their roster.
Kraken GM Ron Francis expressed his excitement, stating that the high-profile signings show that Seattle is becoming an attractive destination for players. The Kraken will begin their season at home on October 8 against the St. Louis Blues, while the Maple Leafs face off against the Montreal Canadiens on October 9 to kick off their campaign.