NHL Rumors: 2 Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team to watch this offseason. General manager Kyle Dubas' creativity will be challenged to improve his hockey club as he enters the final season of his current contract. Negotiations with pending free-agents Ilya Mikheyev and Jack Campbell do not appear to be going well and there could be a trickle down effect should both players walk in free agency. The Maple Leafs are stacked with a ton of young talent in their organization and have several prospects who are drawing interest from other teams. Expect to see multiple moves this summer from Dubas and company and here's a couple of trade targets likely on the Maple Leafs' radar:

J.T Miller, Vancouver Canucks

With the recent signing of Brock Boeser in Vancouver, the likelihood has increased J.T Miller gets moved this summer. The Maple Leafs have been in contact with the Canucks several times throughout last season and it's been rumored the two have discussed a Miller trade in the past. Toronto has several NHL-ready prospects who are getting the attention of Canucks management and with Miller entering the final season of his current contract, if the vibe is he's going to test the market next summer, look for the Canucks to cash in on their asset.

The 29-year-old Miller will be paid $5.25 million in 2022-23 and holds zero trade protection on any deal. He's coming off a career season, putting up 99 points in 80 games and the Leafs would love to insert him into their top six immediately. He'd likely push John Tavares to the wing on the team's second line and his intensity and versatility is something Toronto could use more of. A trade package including both Alex Kerfoot and Rasmus Sandin would certainly get the Canucks attention this summer.

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

The Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks held some advanced trade conversations last season and this could be picking up in a big way this summer. If Patrick Kane wants out of Chicago, the Leafs are a team to watch. While Dubas and company don't have room for his $10.5 million cap hit, not many teams do, Toronto does have the prospect capital to pay up to have the Blackhawks retain a serious chunk of Kane's salary.

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A first line of Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and Kane would be hands down the most exciting line in hockey and this could be the last swing for the fences for Dubas, as his time to get the team over the hump is pressing. Prospects Nick Robertson and Topi Niemela would likely have to be included in the deal, a steep price indeed, but when you're getting desperate to get over the hump, Dubas may have no choice but to pull the trigger on the blockbuster move. If Toronto's goalie situation can get sorted out without having to sell the farm or overpay a free agent netminder, look for the Maple Leafs to have some serious trade interest in acquiring Kane this summer.

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