Trade Bait: 3 potential trades for Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been fielding trade calls since they were eliminated from the Bubble. This includes offers for goaltender Frederik Andersen. The Danish netminder has one year left on his contract, and it's intriguing because he's already been paid his signing bonus and is only owed $1 million in actual cash. Talk about a trade chip!

Here's 3 potential deals the Maple Leafs may consider when dealing Freddie Andersen:

1. Calgary Flames - the Flames tried hard to trade for Andersen when Anaheim made him available several years ago, and the team still has interest now. David Rittich won't be of interest to the Leafs but getting some assets would be appealing. The Leafs have interest in Sam Bennett and Elias Lindholm. It's been speculated they have asked Calgary about RHD Rasmus Andersson but that was shot down pretty quick.

2. Minnesota Wild - Matt Dumba is priority one for the Leafs off of the Wild roster, but they would also be OK with d-man, Jonas Brodin. It's not likely the Wild make a move for Andersen unless he signs an extension, and there's a small chance Andersen wants to be in Minnesota long term. While Wild GM, Bill Guerin has asked Kyle Dubas about Andersen, this one doesn't appear likely to be a match.

3. Colorado Avalanche - keep an eye on the Avs as they haven't been able to talk to Toronto yet about Andersen, but they will. These two GM's have great rapport when it comes to trades and the Avs are going to want to upgrade their goaltender for next season, regardless of how this playoffs play out. Colorado has a ton of cap space and plan on going for it (again) next season. Kyle Dubas is a HUGE fan of Avs' prospect Conor Timmins, who's a right-handed defensemen from his old junior club in the OHL. And also, J.T Compher, who is as versatile as they come and on the Leafs radar.

IF and a big IF the Leafs move Freddie Andersen, it's not likely to be to the eastern conference. However, there may be some divisional realignment for next year, so this actually may not matter as much for next season.

The Leafs have received offers for Andersen from Carolina, Calgary, Chicago and Pittsburgh, so the chatter is only going to increase once the playoffs are over. There's ZERO chance they move Andersen without having a capable replacement on their roster, so expect a move, if it happens, to come once free-agency begins.

LeBrun also writes the Leafs have had several inquiries about Frederik Andersen. What makes him so appealing to other teams is that he is only earning $1M next season despite his $5M salary since his $4M signing bonus has already been paid. #LeafsForever
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) September 2, 2020

Elliotte Friedman: “The Carolina Hurricanes have interest in Frederik Andersen. Toronto Maple Leafs have no desire to make a move just for the sake of it. If it happens, it’s for an upgrade, which means #LeafsForever could wait to see how the UFA G group shakes out.” #LetsGoCanes
— NHL News (@puck_report2) August 31, 2020