The Edmonton Oilers may have found a potential trade partner in the Toronto Maple Leafs after the unfortunate injury to Evander Kane. With Kane sidelined for several months following surgery, Edmonton is now in need of a replacement ahead of the upcoming season. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs have a surplus of forwards, many of whom could be moved to help both teams address their needs.
Toronto’s forward group has grown crowded with the additions of Max Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz, and Alexander Nylander, along with re-signing Nick Robertson and the emergence of young talents like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. This leaves several established players on the Maple Leafs roster potentially available for trade, with David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and Pontus Holmberg among the names that could be dealt.
David Kampf, who carries a cap hit of $2.4 million for the next three seasons, is a solid fourth-line forward but may no longer fit into Toronto’s future plans. He has been a stable presence in the lineup, missing just four games over the last three seasons and delivering reliable defensive and faceoff metrics. While Kane is more productive offensively, Kampf could still provide Edmonton with valuable depth for a deep playoff run.
Calle Jarnkrok is another option for the Oilers. Although smaller than Kane, Jarnkrok offers versatility and a scoring touch, as shown by his 20-goal season in 2022-23. He is a natural center but has often shifted to the wing in Toronto, making him a flexible asset for Edmonton. His $2.1 million salary could also be an appealing trade piece for the Maple Leafs, as it would free up cap space to sign other players.
Pontus Holmberg, the youngest of the three, is 25 years old and could benefit from a change of scenery. Though he has done well in limited NHL experience, he might not get much playing time with Toronto’s younger prospects moving up. A move to Edmonton could allow him to thrive, especially alongside players like Connor Brown or Corey Perry.
For the Maple Leafs, moving Kampf or Jarnkrok could create valuable cap space, allowing them to make signings or plan for future contract extensions, such as keeping their Core Four intact. As the season approaches, a deal between Edmonton and Toronto could prove beneficial for both teams.
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