Report: Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring Former 4th-Overall Pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs have prioritized strengthening their defense this offseason, and one trade proposal involves acquiring Adam Larsson from the Seattle Kraken. Larsson, drafted fourth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, has significantly improved his game with the Kraken. However, with Seattle not expected to contend for a Stanley Cup in the near future, a trade could be beneficial for both sides. PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM, allows users to create their own trade scenarios, and one proposal suggests the Maple Leafs could be a fit for Larsson.
Maple Leafs get:
Adam Larsson
Kraken get:
The proposed trade of Timothy Liljegren, David Kampf, and a 2025 second-round pick (from Florida) for Adam Larsson makes sense for both teams.
For the Maple Leafs, Larsson, entering the final year of his four-year, $16 million deal, would provide a significant upgrade to their defense core. At 31, Larsson had a solid season with the Kraken, recording 4 goals and 14 assists in 81 games. He would slot in as a second-line right-shot defenseman, enhancing Toronto’s defensive depth.
On the other hand, Seattle would benefit from acquiring Liljegren, a 25-year-old former first-round pick who signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Maple Leafs this offseason. Liljegren could see a more prominent role with the Kraken, potentially even on the top pairing. The second-round pick adds value to Seattle’s prospect pool, and Kampf would provide depth and defensive support to the Kraken’s bottom six.
Maple Leafs Focused on Defense in Free Agency
Throughout the offseason, Toronto made it obvious that defence was their first priority.
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving stated that defence was their top focus following the 2024 NHL draft on June 29.
“Well, I think there are several priorities. For us, I do not believe it is a secret. “We’d like to improve our defence,” Treliving remarked on June 29. “I know, it’s easier said than done. We have focused on that area. I would say we plan to add more than one.”
The Maple Leafs did address defence, signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to multi-year contracts.
Kraken Land 2 Key Players in Free Agency
After missing the playoffs last season, the Seattle Kraken made significant moves in free agency to enhance their roster.
On July 1, the Kraken signed star defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal. Montour, who played a crucial role in the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup win, recorded 3 goals and 8 assists for 11 points in 23 playoff games.
Following the Montour signing, Seattle also acquired forward Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year, $43.75 million contract. Stephenson, a Stanley Cup champion with Vegas in 2023, had a productive season last year with 16 goals and 35 assists for 51 points in 75 games.
Kraken GM Ron Francis expressed enthusiasm about these signings, highlighting the appeal of Seattle as a destination for players and the positive atmosphere created by the team’s fans.