NHL Rumor Roundup: Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets And Kraken Surface In New Trade Speculation

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a recent cost-cutting move by trading Timothy Liljegren and his $3-million salary cap hit to the San Jose Sharks for Matt Benning ($1.25 million) and two draft picks.

However, the Leafs must soon clear more cap space when defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar complete their AHL conditioning stints. The Athletic's James Mirtle observed they also have an extra forward with Pontus Holmberg and two extra blueliners (Benning and Philippe Myers).

The Hockey News' David Alter reported coach Craig Berube saying it's a good idea for Hakanpaa and Dewar to get a couple of more games in the AHL since they've been out of action for a while. Alter noted that keeping them on conditioning stints could also buy time for the team to figure out how to make roster room.

Mirtle indicated the Leafs are still trying to move Benning but could also put him or Myers on waivers and send them to the minors if they go unclaimed.

They must also free up a roster spot when sidelined forward Calle Jarnkrok returns to action. Mirtle suggests waiving and demoting Holmberg or attempting to trade Nick Robertson or David Kampf.

Mirtle considers Kampf the likely trade candidate as it would clear his $2.4-million annual cap hit (through 2025-26) from their books. Meanwhile, The Hockey News' Adam Proteau suggested parting ways with the 23-year-old Robertson, citing his struggles to establish himself among the Leafs' top nine forwards.

Related: It's Time For The Maple Leafs And Nick Robertson To Part Ways – Here's Why

Robertson was a fixture in the summer rumor mill when he requested a trade before eventually signing a one-year, $875,000 contract. Proteau thinks he'd get a longer look as a top-nine forward with the Colorado Avalanche or New York Islanders.

The Avs and Isles have been walloped by injuries this season. Robertson's contract would be affordable for one of those cap-strapped clubs.

Meanwhile, The Hockey News' Jason Newland cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, who recently suggested the Columbus Blue Jackets could be a team to watch in the trade market.

Seravalli reported Jackets GM Don Waddell informed teams that he's willing to take on an undesirable contract in exchange for assets. He's received offers from some teams with players having three to five years on their deals, but Waddell would reportedly prefer players with a year or two left. Newland noted that would let some of their younger players, such as David Jiricek, to refine their skills in the AHL.

Turning to Seattle, The Hockey News' Julian Gaudio cited Seravalli claiming the Kraken are carrying too many forwards and could move one once their roster is healthy.

Yanni Gourde and Brandon Tanev could be trade candidates. Both are slated to become UFAs next summer. They're solid checking-line forwards, but their lack of goal production could make one of them expendable.

Seravalli said teams are calling about the versatile Gourde because of his ability to play center or wing. However, the Kraken aren't interested in moving him right now.

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