On one hand, the team has six picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming NHL Draft; on the other, they need some quality veteran talent to help lead the young talent ready to make the squad, leading to rumors of potential trades that could take place in the coming weeks.
The Leafs are looking to add size on the ice, a move that was made public when Toronto hired head coach Mike Babcock last year, costing the franchise $50 million over eight years, but one that could bring success to the struggling franchise. Babcock wants a more physical approach to the team, but with the current roster, changes are necessary to achieve this goal.
Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal wrote a story last week on moves the Oilers could make this off season and that led to reports of a possible trade between the two hockey clubs. A potential trade of defender Mark Fayne to Toronto would serve a dual purpose.
First, it would give the Maple Leafs a 6’3″ 215 pound back line player with plenty of experience. The 29-year-old has struggled at times, but he fits the need for a right-handed shooter to help lead the power play, plus it gives Toronto another leader for the youngsters ready to make the leap onto the NHL scene.
Edmonton would rid themselves of a decent size contract, Fayne is owed $7.25 million over the next two seasons, allowing the team to use those resources to help land a big name player over the summer. The veteran also has a history with Toronto general manager Lou Lamoriello, both where in New Jersey when the Devils played in a Stanley Cup Final and that relationship could make this trade come to fruition.
