Maple Leafs thinking possible ‘trade-and-sign’ deal with Flames

In Friday’s edition of 32 Thoughts, Elliott Friedman offered an interesting look at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ pursuit of a point guard. The loss of Nikita Zadorov will force the Leafs to consider other options. One of those options could be Chris Tanev, the other half of the pair that GM Brad Treliving tried to acquire. Friedman said it won’t be a rental exchange. He believes it could be a trade and sign situation if the Maple Leafs pursue it.

Friedman is unsure if the Maple Leafs will be able to secure a rental offer this season. He explains:

“Toronto has lost three defensemen: Mark Giordano (injured Tuesday, time to be determined), John Klingberg (likely out for the rest of the season) and Timothy Liljegren (likely out for three weeks). The biggest question is, “Is this the year to lease fixed assets?” Cheaper depth options are better. If you have the deadline or know someone who does, you can sign it. But without the net? Do you think it makes sense for this team this season?”

He then mentions that Tanev may be special. The Leafs don’t want to give up a major asset on loan, but they could invest heavily in a player they believe they can sign. “He’s from Toronto and Treliving drafted him [from Calgary]. I’m sure he knows what it takes to keep him [in Toronto],” Friedman said. He added: “I think it will be difficult because Toronto will be confident they can keep him if he is hired. But we will follow.”

Should it be a signal or could it be a compromise?

If the Flames want to make a solid return, they can usually sign and trade him. Tanev could be traded to Toronto under negotiated terms after agreeing to a long-term deal. The most important thing is to know that Maple Leaf’s persona is blocked. By the way, it can be different. In that case, Toronto could decide to wait and trade him for a pending UFA. Then they could try to make a deal with him. But it gives Calgary an opportunity to work with other teams. Tanev has a modified no-trade rule that allows him to list 10 teams he won’t go to. Calgary could trade him for one of the remaining 20 if they don’t feel they’re getting the best deal. Toronto could eventually sign Tanev as a free agent, but that leaves the door open for other options for the defenseman.