Why the Proposed Flames-Maple Leafs Trade Should Raise Red Flags
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, trade rumors are swirling, with pundits concocting various scenarios. However, amidst the speculation, one proposed blockbuster deal between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs warrants caution and scrutiny. The suggested trade involves the Maple Leafs acquiring defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Andrew Mangiapane, with Calgary retaining 50%…
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, trade rumors are swirling, with pundits concocting various scenarios. However, amidst the speculation, one proposed blockbuster deal between the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs warrants caution and scrutiny.
The suggested trade involves the Maple Leafs acquiring defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Andrew Mangiapane, with Calgary retaining 50% of Mangiapane’s salary. In return, the Flames would receive a hefty package, including Toronto’s 2024 1st Rd Pick, a 2024 3rd Rd Pick (from the New York Islanders), Calgary’s 2024 5th Rd Pick, along with players Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson, and Topi Niemela.
While intriguing, this trade scenario deviates from Toronto’s reported pursuit of defenseman Chris Tanev. The proposed deal escalates the stakes, demanding a significant haul from Toronto, including valuable prospects and draft picks, banking on Hanifin’s long-term commitment and Mangiapane’s resurgence in a high-pressure environment.
One glaring concern is the redundancy it creates on Toronto’s left side defense, with Hanifin potentially joining Morgan Rielly. This raises questions about allocating resources to another left-shot defenseman when needs may lie elsewhere, especially considering the investment required and the departure of a promising right-shot defenseman in the trade.
The inclusion of Mangiapane adds sentimental value but introduces uncertainty given his recent dip in performance and hefty contract. Moreover, the notion of Calgary welcoming Reaves, a questionable asset, seems optimistic, while parting ways with promising prospects like Robertson and Niemela could hamper Toronto’s future depth.
Overall, the trade proposal hinges on numerous uncertainties, from Hanifin’s contract extension to Mangiapane’s resurgence, making it a risky gamble for Toronto. With so many variables and potential pitfalls, caution should prevail before considering a move of this magnitude.
