One franchise set to make a big breakthrough is Toronto as the Maple Leafs hold the rights to the first overall pick next week. After a year of roster moves and with money under the salary cap to add some veteran help, the franchise could be back in the playoffs by next season.
The latest news reports have Colorado in talks with defender Tyson Barrie, but the youngster is looking for big money and that has a few experts expected a trade in the coming weeks. The 22-year-old is one of the top young back line players in the game, but with salary expectations of $7-8 million per year for the next eight years, it appears the Avalanche aren’t willing to meet those demands, but that could be good news for any team looking to add a duel-threat defender.
With the resources to make some moves this summer, rumors have started on the ‘Leafs having interest in the former third round draft pick and it makes sense if you look at the depth and needs of the team. Toronto needs help on the defensive side of the ice and that has linked the two sides in trade speculation.
Barrie isn’t exactly a veteran, but the young man has shown great ability to lead a power play with 21 of his 49 total points last season coming from an extra player on the ice. The youngster would immediately team with Morgan Rielly, improving the first line and adding a player that can help on both ends of the ice.
Toronto is set for a turnaround with several young players set to make a mark in the NHL, but a trade like this would speed up the process and give the fans some reason for excitement and some real optimism heading into the 2016-17 season.
