NHLRumors: Maple Leafs finding it hard to trade, Rickard Rakell may not move, and Islanders looking for Anders Lee replacement
Anthony Scultore
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When it comes to NHL Trade Rumors, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the undisputed king. They have been attached to a multitude of available players out there as you can see in our Trade Bait Tracker, but have yet to strike a deal.
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs can’t strike a deal
Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is addressed the media and discussed his trade options as the April 12 trade deadline nears. He admits that he’s had plenty of trade conversations with the focus being on a forward. Dubas also noted that he would try to upgrade at defense or goaltending if the deal made sense.
It also wasn’t lost on Dubas that the 14 day quarantine period in Canada makes things harder. He’s is looking to make a deal now. The issue is he’s having a hard time consummating a trade before the deadline with other GM’s not so willing to do so this early.
In the last few weeks the Maple Leafs have been attached to names like Eric Staal, Nick Foligno, Rickard Rakell, and Mattias Ekholm.
NHL News: Rickard Rakell may not be as available as we thought
Rickard Rakell is a 27 year-old forward on a bad Ducks team. He is being used as a wing but can play center. His cap hit is $3.789 million and he has one year remaining on his contract. This means he’s not a rental and a very intriguing player available on the market. Or is he?
While it was suggested that the Ducks may try and rebuild some thought Rakell may no longer fit into their plans. Elliotte Friedman in his latest 31 Thoughts Podcast seems to think otherwise.
During the show Friedman stated that the price on Rakell is very high and noted that Leafs would probably not be interested. Ultimately it sounds like Anaheim would move Rakell but only at their price.
NHL Rumors: Islanders looking for Anders Lee replacement
We noted recently that the Islanders may try to make a big move for Taylor Hall at the trade deadline. They lost Anders Lee to LTIR and could use that cap space on acquiring a big gun.
Two other names you can add to the mix are the Devils’ Kyle Palmieri, and the Blue Jackets’ Nick Foligno. Arthur Staple of The Athletic put together a list of 25 targets ranging from Hall to Zach Parise.
One thing appears certain, Lou Lamoriello has his eyes on the prize and will look to replace Lee’s scoring and bolster the Islanders chances come playoffs.