3 Toronto Maple Leafs goalies expected to consider trade
If you’re counting on the Toronto Maple Leafs to take them to the Stanley Cup this season, you might want to reconsider.
Of course, crazy things happen in hockey and you no longer need to have a superstar goalie to win the Cup. But let’s be honest: Having a top-notch netminder doesn’t hurt.
We’ve seen it time and time again, from Andrei Vasilevskiy’s back-to-back trophies to underdogs like Aidin Hill and Jordan Binnington making history.
I’m not saying Ilya Samsonov or Joseph Woll can’t surprise us all, but let’s not bet the farm on them. I’d rather trust someone with a proven track record than cross my fingers and hope for a winning streak.
Especially in a season where John Tavares and Morgan Rielly are at the end of their prime and Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander are at their absolute peak.
Even if one of these guys miraculously catches fire, that’s no guarantee of victory. Just ask any Leafs fan who has seen great goaltenders get dominated in the playoffs. It’s a cruel reality: anything can happen in a seven-game series. If I were Brad Treliving, I would do everything to improve our goaltending this year.
Sure, it’s difficult to trade a goalie mid-season, but it’s not impossible. So who could be the answer to our prayers to achieve goals?
No. 1: Tristan Jarry
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs have contrasting approaches when it comes to selecting and developing goaltenders.
While opinions may differ on Matt Murray’s current performance, his key role in securing two Stanley Cup victories remains undeniable.
Likewise, Marc-Andre Fleury, already the first overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, has a remarkable career and is destined for the Hall of Fame.
While Tristan Jarry may not yet reach the heights of Murray or Fleury, he ranks as a formidable starting goaltender, especially considering the selection of him at a lowly No. 44 overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
In stark contrast, the Leafs’ track record in nurturing goalie talent over the past three decades has been disappointing, with Joseph Woll being the lone example, albeit with limited NHL experience and uncertain prospects. Jarry’s career statistics, including a goals against average (GAA) of 2.64 and save percentage (SV%) of 0.913, highlight his ability between the goals. He recently signed a five-year contract and is a valuable asset to the Penguins, but rumors suggest Pittsburgh may consider trading a goaltender amid concerns about the aging core of its roster and possible changes in the team’s strategy under the direction of Kyle Dubas.
Although Jarry has limited playoff experience, he remains a superior option compared to alternatives like Woll and Samsonov. The Penguins could consider moving Alex Nedeljkovic, taking into account factors such as contract length and financial considerations. At 28 years old and with four years left on his contract, Jarry is entering his prime, making him an attractive target for teams looking for stability in goal.
Given Toronto’s goaltending issues and Jarry’s consistent performance, a potential move to the Leafs could provide benefits not only for the current season, but also long-term. With the right fit and support, Jarry could play a vital role in addressing the needs of Toronto’s goalies and strengthening their aspirations for success in the years to come
