Maple Leafs & Blues Pull Off Blockbuster Trade

Saturday, February 18, 2023 ,

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going all in as general manager Kyle Dubas pulled off a blockbuster trade on Friday night. The Maple Leafs acquired Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St Louis Blues in exchange for a massive package.

Toronto shipped out a first and third-round pick in 2023, a second-round pick in 2024, a fourth-round pick in 2025 and AHL forwards Mikhail Abramov and Adam Gaudette. A huge haul however when you land a Conn Smythe trophy winner and a shut-down center, this is the type of price you have to pay.

O'Reilly got off to a slow start this season and has recently returned from a broken foot. He wanted to stay in St Louis and even mentioned he'd take less money to do so, but it was obvious Blues management wanted to cash in on their rentals this season.

Accairi on the other hand is great in the faceoff dot and loves to throw his body around. He'll likely get a look on the Leafs third-line, meanwhile where O'Reilly plays will be interesting to watch. While he could slide into the #3 center role, some feel he may see some looks at left-wing on the team's second line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. O'Reilly is in the final season of a seven-year contract that pays him $7.5-million annually, but his cap hit with Toronto will be $1.875 million thanks to the Minnesota Wild also retaining 25% of his salary.

Photo credit:  Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports



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