Maple Leafs Rumors: Conor Timmins On His Way Out Of Toronto?

With the recent signing of Jani Hakanpaa, the Toronto Maple Leafs now face a crowded blue line and a salary cap crunch, being over the cap by more than $1 million. 

The addition of Hakanpaa, a towering, physical defenseman, aligns with general manager Brad Treliving’s preference for size and defensive stability. 

However, it also puts the Leafs in a position where they may need to waive or trade defenseman Conor Timmins, whose $1.1 million cap hit could help alleviate the team’s financial strain, especially with the potential signing of veteran forward Max Pacioretty still looming.

Timmins, despite his offensive promise and flashes of potential, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent ice time, making him a potential cap casualty. 

The 25-year-old defenseman has shown upside in his ability to move the puck and generate offense from the blue line, but the Leafs’ depth on defense, including Hakanpaa’s arrival and other options like Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers, could push Timmins further down the depth chart. 

Waiving Timmins would create immediate cap relief but comes with the risk of losing a young defenseman with untapped potential to another team.

The Leafs may feel they can afford to part with Timmins, given the defensive depth and the possible return of injured players later in the season. 

Across 50 games with Toronto, Timmins has put up three goals, 24 total points, a +10 plus/minus rating, 46 blocked shots, and 57 hits.

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images