• Wed. Dec 11th, 2024

Trade Pitch Sees Maple Leafs Acquiring $24 Million Superstar in Blockbuster

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to capitalize on their Stanley Cup window, and one trade proposal has them acquiring superstar Evgeni Malkin to strengthen their roster.

Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, a user suggested a deal where the Leafs would bring in Malkin from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, the Penguins would receive Nick Robertson, Topi Niemela, and multiple draft picks (a 2025 second-round pick from Florida, a 2025 third-round pick from Edmonton, and a 2026 third-round pick).

This potential blockbuster trade would see the Leafs add a future Hall of Famer in Malkin for two young players and three draft picks. Malkin, currently in the third year of a four-year, $24.4 million contract, has been a cornerstone of the Penguins’ successful dynasty, helping them win Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017. The seven-time NHL All-Star could become a key offensive addition to the Leafs’ top six. Over his career, Malkin has played 1,159 games, registering 502 goals and 810 assists for 1,312 points.

Malkin’s addition would also provide insurance for the Leafs should stars like Mitch Marner or John Tavares leave via free agency in the coming offseason.

In return, the Penguins would acquire two young prospects, Robertson and Niemela, along with three valuable draft picks. Robertson, a 2020 draft pick, could help fill the offensive void left by Malkin’s departure, while Niemela, also a 2020 draft pick, could bolster Pittsburgh’s struggling defense.

Although Malkin has spent his entire NHL career with the Penguins, he has expressed a desire to remain in Pittsburgh. He signed a four-year extension in 2022 and made it clear in March that he intended to stay with the team. Despite Pittsburgh missing the playoffs in consecutive years and currently sitting near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, Malkin has remained committed to the Penguins.

Meanwhile, Robertson, who requested a trade earlier this offseason, has been a healthy scratch at times and has resurfaced in trade discussions. He signed a one-year deal but remains available if the Leafs can secure a favorable return. Robertson has appeared in 99 career games, registering 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points.

By Admin

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