Maple Leafs May Trade Three Players for Cap Space
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly open to trading three players to free up cap space, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston.
Currently, the Maple Leafs are $1.5 million over the salary cap, as per CapFriendly, though this includes Jani Hakanpaa’s unsigned contract due to injury concerns. Johnston suggests that Toronto is considering trading Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Timothy Liljegren to address their cap situation.
“They would look at moving Kampf, Jarnkrok, or Timothy Liljegren in the right deal. I should be very clear, that is not to say they are trying to get rid of them at all costs, but I think that because of the Leafs’ salary cap, they are pretty tight up against it,” Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show on July 4. “They will have to get creative to address any changes they want to make at forward.”
Johnston added that while these players could be traded, there is no indication that a trade is imminent. The players in question have valuable roles but might be moved to make room for upgrades.
Jarnkrok has two years remaining on his contract at $2.1 million per season. Kampf also has two years left on his deal, which pays $2.4 million annually. Liljegren, a defenseman, recently signed a two-year contract worth $3 million per season but remains a trade candidate.
Liljegren’s Commitment to the Maple Leafs
Despite being a trade candidate, Liljegren expressed his desire to stay with the Maple Leafs after signing his contract extension. He mentioned his satisfaction with the deal and his commitment to the team, despite injury setbacks last season.
Liljegren scored 3 goals and provided 20 assists in 55 games for the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season.
Jarnkrok and Kampf’s Roles
If not traded, Jarnkrok and Kampf are expected to remain bottom-six forwards for Toronto. Jarnkrok is projected as the third-line right winger, with time on the second power-play and penalty kill units. He scored 10 goals and 11 assists in 52 games last season.
Kampf is slated to be the fourth-line center and is a key player on the top penalty kill unit. He recorded 8 goals and 11 assists in 78 games last season.
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