The Toronto Maple Leafs hope to return to the postseason after another disappointing season in 2022-23. At the time of writing, they are tied for the top wild card place in the Eastern Conference with the Detroit Red Wings, but they have games in hand on all teams above them. It’s reasonable to presume they’ll be buying during the 2024 Trade Deadline to bolster their roster and make their club the most competitive it’s ever been. Having not won a Stanley Cup since 1967 takes a toll on a club, and they’ll be aiming to change the perception that they can’t win another.
The Maple Leafs have little room on their salary cap this season, resting at little under $35,000 with no money accruing for the deadline. To make deals and enhance their roster, the team will need to free up some money. Veteran forward Ryan Reaves has found himself on the outside looking in, having signed a three-year contract costing $1.35 million per season this offseason. After saying he hates sitting out after being healthy for a few weeks, there’s a chance his time with the Maple Leafs is coming to an end.
“That is a question for them.” I’m not in those rooms or having those conversations. I will not conjecture. Simply stay ready. And if I am called upon, I respond. If not, I complete my work.
Reaves used the word “speculate,” which could point to something else going on behind the scenes. Whether or not he is on his way out of Toronto, his productivity demonstrates that he is the odd man out and might be someone the team chooses to trade to free up salary space. Having said that, three rebuilding teams may be interested in acquiring him and taking on his contract to give veteran depth as the organization goes through its lengthy process.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks won the draft lottery and were able to select Connor Bedard from the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he was playing for the Regina Pats and was seen as a potential superstar. As the Blackhawks continue their protracted rebuild, they have surrounded Bedard with veterans from whom he can continue to study the game, and Reaves might help in two ways. He is another veteran with a term contract who can add depth and increase locker room spirit, and the Maple Leafs may be prepared to trade him for little to nothing.
A trade between the two parties will most likely require a few moving elements. Kyle Davidson, the Blackhawks’ general manager, has made it clear that he wants to spread out his draft picks, so he could be interested in taking a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Maple Leafs in exchange for Reaves, which they don’t have and could trade in the future, and a 2026 fourth-round pick, which they already have two of. If the Blackhawks want to clear the pick logjam, they could trade the fourth-round pick for Reaves.
Reaves may be a welcome addition to the Blackhawks as they continue their lengthy reconstruction. He has established himself as one of the league’s top personalities off the ice, and he may be an ideal match for the Blackhawks.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks, who are also suffering this season, may benefit from a veteran like Reaves to boost morale and keep their younger players interested when they are not winning many games. A trade between the Maple Leafs and the Sharks is expected to be simpler, but it will still require them to provide an additional asset so that the Sharks can take on his entire contract.
A agreement between the two appears to involve the Maple Leafs transferring Reaves and their 2026 seventh-round pick to the Sharks in return for future considerations. It’s quite doubtful that the Sharks would want to give up much for a player with Reaves’ skill level, but this trade would be made to acquire additional draft money.
Anaheim Ducks
The final team that could consider acquiring Reaves is the Anaheim Ducks, who have demonstrated this season that they are in the midst of a lengthy rebuilding process. The Ducks, like the Sharks, would only make this trade if they wanted to increase draft capital, and the Maple Leafs would provide a draft pick in addition to Reaves in any transaction.
While Reaves’ trade is by no means guaranteed, and none of these teams have any connection to him, they all make sense. Any rebuilding team would benefit from adding a seasoned player who is well-liked by his teammates off the ice. The Maple Leafs are hoping to remove his contract off the books and offer him a fresh start, all while freeing up cap room to make some additions before the trade deadline.
