Trade Proposal: Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Ryan Strome Acquisition

After focusing on goaltending and defense during the offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offense has been underwhelming to start the season. A new trade proposal, crafted using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, suggests the Maple Leafs could trade for Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome.

Proposed Trade:

• Maple Leafs acquire:
  • Ryan Strome ($2.5 million retained)
• Ducks acquire:
  • Calle Jarnkrok
  • Pontus Holmberg
  • 2025 second-round pick (Florida’s)

The deal is logical, as Anaheim sheds Strome’s contract while acquiring a second-round pick and two NHL players, one of whom, Holmberg, could be part of the Ducks’ rebuilding future.

Strome, who is in the third year of his five-year, $25 million deal with the Ducks, could be a middle-six forward for the Maple Leafs, helping address their offensive struggles. Strome has tallied 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points in 11 games this season.

The key assets for Anaheim in this trade are the second-round pick and Holmberg. The 25-year-old Swede is a bottom-six forward who has appeared in 102 NHL games, recording 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points. Holmberg fits well with Anaheim’s young core.

Jarnkrok, currently on the third year of a four-year, $8.4 million contract, is another piece in this potential swap. The veteran forward could provide middle-six depth for the Ducks and might also be a valuable trade asset at the deadline.

Jarnkrok’s Injury Status: Jarnkrok has not yet played this season due to an injury sustained during training camp. He was placed on long-term injured reserve, and coach Craig Berube indicated on October 24 that Jarnkrok is still in recovery and hasn’t been on the ice yet. When healthy, Jarnkrok could play on the second or third line for the Maple Leafs and contribute on the power play, as he did last season when he posted 10 goals and 11 assists in 52 games.

Ducks Looking to End Playoff Drought: The Ducks, who have not reached the playoffs since 2017-18, are in a rebuilding phase but veteran forward Alex Killorn remains optimistic about their chances. Despite a 4-5-2 start, Killorn believes the team can compete for a playoff spot this season. “We’ve put ourselves in a decent spot. It’s going to be a long road, but that’s always the goal,” said Killorn.