Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be the first piece out the door as the Maple Leafs hunt for an impact defenseman.
John Chayka has been active in conversations about who's available, according to Daily Faceoff. Elliotte Friedman confirmed the GM would move an older defenseman to land a younger, more skilled one.
The veteran is the easiest fit. Jake McCabe has a full no-trade clause this season, and Morgan Rielly has a full no-movement clause.
Ekman-Larsson only carries a 16-team no-trade list, plus a $3,500,000 cap hit this season and next.
At 35, he has one point through 12 games. He's also being asked to log heavier minutes than ideal for someone his age.
Chayka already showed with the season-eve Matthew Knies trade that he isn't shy about bold moves.
The window is short. Toronto is trying to win while convincing Auston Matthews to re-sign, and Matthews has 18 points through 12 games.
Rangers interest makes Anthony Stolarz Toronto's best trade chip
The Rangers have already called about Stolarz, with Igor Shesterkin out for the season. That's leverage Chayka should squeeze hard.
The 32-year-old has an .898 save percentage on a $3,750,000 cap hit.
Sergei Bobrovsky, 38, hasn't been much better at .895.
The prospect cupboard has two shiny names. Alexander Bilecki has 11 assists in 11 games with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers.
Tinus-Luc Koblar, a 19-year-old center, has three assists in three SHL games. Colorado's 2027 first-round pick is also sitting in the drawer.
Toronto's trade cupboard is a fridge at the end of a long week. There's enough for one good meal, if you're willing to use the last of everything.
Trading Bilecki would be a mistake. Move the veteran defenseman, Stolarz and the Colorado pick, but keep the one prospect every rival GM keeps asking about.
The Leafs ride three straight wins into Edmonton on Saturday, the start of a western swing through Calgary and Seattle. The right defenseman won't wait for them to come home.
Should the Maple Leafs trade Alexander Bilecki to land an impact defenseman?
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