NHL Rumors: 2 Unlikely Goalies Linked To Maple Leafs

In an unlikely scenario that could play out this season, it was suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs could take a run at Thatcher Demko or Juuse Saros if they feel that Matt Murray or Ilya Samsonov aren't up for the challenge, per Nick Kypreos.

This is very unlikely to happen, especially for Saros. He continues to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and the Nashville Predators are still within striking distance of a playoff spot. They have been playing much better hockey and just had their four-game win streak snapped. Saros is the piece that has kept the Predators competitive. It would cost a huge haul for the Maple Leafs to acquire Saros seeing as he's signed for a great price for two more seasons after this one. Nashville would also have to be willing to accept a rebuild or retool of sorts to get them out of their current situation of being a fringe team.

As for Demko, it is more likely he is traded due to rumours that he doesn't want to be in Vancouver anymore. He had a horrible start to the season, but so did the team as a whole. They couldn't defend leads and were horrible defensively. They've somewhat improved over the course of the season, but still are one of the worst teams defensively. Demko has been on the injured reserve since December 1 and he should be back soon. This is an outlier of a season for him considering the numbers he put up in prior seasons. He's signed for three more years at $5 million AAV.

This entire scenario would entail either Murray or Samsonov suffering an injury that keeps them out for the remainder of the season or at least one of them to struggle big time in the next month. Neither Saros or Demko would come for cheap, so the Maple Leafs would have to be willing to pay. Though the scenario for Toronto seems like a worth it one, there is a lot that has to happen in order for either of these trades to be pulled off. I don't think the Maple Leafs even consider adding a goaltender. Samsonov has proven he can be a solid option going forward in a tandem.