Maple Leafs looking to trade a center to clear cap space
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently over the salary cap and still need to sign restricted free agent, Rasmus Sandin. Now it appears the Maple Leafs are looking to potentially move Alex Kerfoot to create cap space. According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, of the Daily Faceoff, he believes their would be interest around the league if the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to move forward Alexander Kerfoot.
Servalli states that there's 100% a market for Kerfoot. They could move him today, and the number of teams is significant. The feeling is that his production is exceeding what he is getting paid and that he'd be a $5M on the open market, and because he's exceeding his value the Leafs will want to keep him and are comfortable with letting him run out the last year of his contract.
There are rumors of Toronto actively shopping defenceman Justin Holl. There is no rush to make a deal since the draft has already passed. The Leafs are best waiting until some teams miss out on their target unrestricted free agents before assessing the value of either Kerfoot or Holl.
Kerfoot had a career year with 13 goals and 51 points in 82 games played. He's a pending UFA after the season.
Kerfoot is only due a salary of $750k after the bonus portion of his contract was paid out earlier this month. Toronto can reasonably be looking for at least a second round pick.
The Leafs are currently just under $1.5 million over the cap after signing Pierre Engvall on Sunday.
If Toronto could package Kerfoot and Holl together that could free up over $5.5 million. That cap space needs to be explored instead of waiting out the year and letting both walk to free agency.
| POLL | ||
Which trade peice from the roster do you see Toronto moving first? | ||
| Justin Holl | 86 | 24.7 % |
| Alexander Kerfoot | 70 | 20.1 % |
| William Nylander | 113 | 32.5 % |
| Jake Muzzin | 79 | 22.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
