The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the leading teams in the NHL, and a trade proposal suggests they could acquire a multiple-time Stanley Cup champion.

Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, one user suggested that the Maple Leafs trade for Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken.

Maple Leafs Receive:
– Yanni Gourde ($1.5 million retained)

Kraken Receive:
– David Kampf
– Timothy Liljegren

This proposed deal would see Toronto acquiring Gourde in exchange for two NHL players. Currently in the final year of his six-year, $31 million contract with Seattle, Gourde could serve as Toronto’s third-line center and contribute to a defensive shutdown line. He played a crucial role on the Tampa Bay Lightning team that secured back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Throughout his NHL career, Gourde has participated in 548 games, tallying 126 goals and 191 assists for a total of 317 points.

In return, the Maple Leafs would send veteran forward Kampf to Seattle, where he would take over Gourde’s role. Kampf is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract and is currently the fourth-line center for Toronto, known for his strong defensive play.

Liljegren, a former first-round pick at just 25 years old, would also be included in the trade. Despite signing a two-year, $6 million extension with the Maple Leafs this offseason, he has been a healthy scratch in the first three games of the season and may benefit from a change of scenery.

Liljegren Could Make His Season Debut
Liljegren has been a healthy scratch so far but may finally get the chance to play on October 16. He mentioned in practice that he aims to simplify his game: “It’s more like playing an easier, simpler game. I think that’s it. Play hard and simple.”

While he could potentially debut on Wednesday, Liljegren’s name has surfaced in trade rumors. He’s been trying to stay focused and avoid distractions from social media: “I try not to think about it much; I’m not on social media. If something happens, it happens. I had some tough times here last year too, and I got through it. I’m sure it will be no different this time. I love Toronto; I came over here when I was 18 (to join a Calder Cup-winning Marlies team). I love the city and the team.”

Liljegren was drafted 17th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Maple Leafs Allow Liljegren to Explore Trade Opportunities
Since Liljegren isn’t currently a regular player in the NHL, Toronto has permitted him to communicate with other teams regarding a potential trade.

“Toronto is advocating for patience, saying there’s no reason he can’t still be part of the team,” Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada. “However, he’s a 25-year-old player who wants to play. He’d prefer to be in a position where he can contribute.”

Friedman added, “I heard this week that he had some permission to speak with other teams, but the Maple Leafs have denied that, insisting it’s not true. Nevertheless, they’re encouraging him to be patient while he expresses a desire to play, as any player would.”

In his NHL career, Liljegren has played 196 games, recording 14 goals and 51 assists for 65 points.