Trade propsal emerges sending Minnesota Wild's Jacob Middleton to Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Jeff Roberson/AP
GM Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs are focused on reinforcing their defense this offseason, with a new trade proposal that could significantly impact their blueline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made key acquisitions in the 2024 offseason, signing defensemen Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as goalie Anthony Stolarz.
Although things have been quiet since then, GM Brad Treliving has hinted that more roster adjustments could come before training camp begins.
«To me, we've still got five weeks or so till camp. And, you know, we're not set yet. We continue to look at ways to make our team better,» Treliving said on OverDrive on TSN 1050. «I said at the end of the year we're going to look at everything.
«Sometimes people fall in love with � �let's make a big change just to make a big change'. At the end of the day, you can go out and make big changes,» Treliving added. «If they're not making your team better, to me it doesn't make any sense to just make a change just to stand up and say �look at it, we made this big change.'»
«Sometimes people fall in love with � �let's make a big change just to make a big change'. At the end of the day, you can go out and make big changes,» Treliving added. «If they're not making your team better, to me it doesn't make any sense to just make a change just to stand up and say �look at it, we made this big change.'»
Now, a recent trade discussion suggests that Jake Middleton could be joining the Leafs, while Toronto would send Nick Robertson, Timothy Liljegren, and a draft pick to the Minnesota Wild. Middleton, who signed a four-year, $17.4 million contract extension through the 2028-29 season, is expected to step into a top-four defensive role for Toronto.
The 28-year-old Middleton, who had 7 goals and 25 points in 80 games last season, would bring valuable experience to the Leafs. Throughout his NHL career, he's played 239 games, recording 14 goals and 43 assists for 57 points. His presence could solidify Toronto's defense, a critical need as they aim for playoff success.
Potential for Nick Robertson and Timothy Liljegren
Maple Leafs acquire:
Jake Middleton
Wild acquire:
Nick Robertson
Timothy Liljegren
2027 fourth-round pick
Jake Middleton
Wild acquire:
Nick Robertson
Timothy Liljegren
2027 fourth-round pick
Minnesota would receive Nick Robertson, a forward who has struggled to secure a stable role with the Leafs. Robertson, currently a restricted free agent, requested a trade, and the Wild could benefit from his offensive talent in a middle-six forward position.
In addition to Robertson, 25-year-old Timothy Liljegren would join Minnesota's defense. The former first-round pick from the 2017 NHL Draft has played 196 NHL games, accumulating 14 goals and 51 assists for 65 points. Liljegren could step into Middleton's former role, offering youth and potential to the Wild's blue line.
This trade could address Toronto's need for defensive depth while providing Minnesota with a combination of promising young talent in Robertson and Liljegren. However, with the deal still in its proposal stages, it's unclear if both teams will pull the trigger.
Keep an eye on this potential trade, as it could have significant implications for the upcoming season.
| POLL | ||
8 SEPTEMBRE | 182 ANSWERS Trade propsal emerges sending Minnesota Wild's Jacob Middleton to Maple Leafs Should the Maple Leafs consider trading for Jake Middleton from the Minnesota Wild? | ||
| Yes | 98 | 53.8 % |
| No | 84 | 46.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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