Ahead to the NHL Trade Deadline this season, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk of Daily Faceoff dabbled in the world of creative matchmaking in what should only be considered a lighthearted exercise on a special occasion. In particular, Seravalli suggests a blockbuster deal involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames that does not include the highly talked-about Chris Tanev. Although the Leafs are reportedly leading the Tanev negotiations, Seravalli believes the shot-blocker will end up with the Dallas Stars, leaving Toronto with another elite defenseman.
The heart of the proposed trade is the Maple Leafs obtaining defenseman Noah Hanifin along with versatile forward Andrew Mangiapane, with the latter team keeping 50% of Hanifin’s contract. The players Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson, and Topi Niemela, as well as Toronto’s 2024 first round pick, Calgary’s 2024 fifth round pick, and a 2024 third round pick (from the New York Islanders) were all included in the large package that the Flames would receive in exchange.
Despite the fact that Seravalli admits the exercise is theoretical in nature, the idea may initially seem grandiose. The goal of the deal is to meet both clubs’ shared needs. Toronto may acquire Hanifin, a talented left-shooting defenseman, if they need defensive support. Although Toronto already has Morgan Rielly as a left-shot, top-pairing player, the proposed transaction isn’t a great fit for them. The heart of the proposed trade is the Maple Leafs obtaining defenseman Noah Hanifin along with versatile forward Andrew Mangiapane, with the latter team keeping 50% of Hanifin’s contract. The players Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson, and Topi Niemela, as well as Toronto’s 2024 first round pick, Calgary’s 2024 fifth round pick, and a 2024 third round pick (from the New York Islanders) were all included in the large package that the Flames would receive in exchange.
Despite the fact that Seravalli admits the exercise is theoretical in nature, the idea may initially seem grandiose. The goal of the deal is to meet both clubs’ shared needs. Toronto may acquire Hanifin, a talented left-shooting defenseman, if they need defensive support. Although Toronto already has Morgan Rielly as a left-shot, top-pairing player, the proposed transaction isn’t a great fit for them.not only strengthens the Maple Leafs’ defense, but Mangiapane’s acquisition gives their middle six more power.
The Extra Items in the Exchange
Mangiapane, a native of Toronto, brings sentimentality to the plan and his $2.9 million salary (with 50% retained) makes sense financially for Toronto. In the meanwhile, the Flames should receive a sizable haul that includes young players with promise and draft picks.
In order to get Reaves’ salary off the books and provide Calgary with some roster security, Toronto would also trade Reaves to the Flames. Although it might be a leap to think the Flames would be interested in Reaves, he has appeared on the scene previously.
Nick Robertson is a crucial component.
The Maple Leafs would try to sign Noah Hanifin after trading for him.
Crucially, the agreement includes Hanifin’s contract extension, which supports Toronto’s goal of building a better defensive core going ahead. The plan puts Toronto nearer Boston than Calgary, implying that the Maple Leafs are making a calculated move. Additionally, it removes Hanifin from consideration in Boston, where it is speculated that the Bruins may consider signing him as a free agent or at the trade deadline.
This trade rumor is taking place in the context of Toronto’s defensive upgrading, which recognizes the challenge of obtaining a top-tier defenseman, particularly around the trade deadline. With projections placing him among the best defenseman available for the upcoming season, Hanifin becomes a highly sought-after asset. The Leafs should be less reluctant to part with a first-round pick for Tanev if doing so would result in Hanifin and an extension down the road.
The suggested transaction highlights the intricacy of NHL trade talks, despite the fact that it may appear unusual. Toronto may choose to rent rather than buy and may even pay too much. They can swing for the fences in a deal like this one, or they can try to acquire a rental they promptly re-sign.
