Rumor: Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken Have Side Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs were wheeling and dealing over the weekend as they tried to set themselves up for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Word is they may have a side deal in place with the Kraken to ensure the newest Maple Leaf goes untouched.

Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas acquired Jared McCann from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a prospect and a draft pick and word is they have asked the Kraken to leave McCann alone. Toronto sees him as the perfect fit to replace Alexander Kerfoot on the third-line and want the Kraken to select Kerfoot instead, who is older and more expensive.

McCann played for Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe in junior with the Sault St Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League and the coach absolutely loves the player. So does Dubas who spent many years with the junior franchise.

Last season McCann scored 32 points in 43 games and the Leafs are likely to be sending a mid-round pick and prospect to Seattle to ensure he gets to open next season in Blue and White for the Maple Leafs.