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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the big trade between Toronto and Pittsburgh.
Todd Cordell
I like it for Toronto. Check that, I love it for Toronto.
Kasperi Kapanen is a useful player but his perceived value clearly outweighs his actual value. I think Kyle Dubas did a great job of taking advantage of that.
In exchange for Kapanen, who has posted a negative Goals Above Replacement in four of the five seasons he’s played games in, the Maple Leafs fetched the 15th overall pick and Filip Hallander. I think the latter has potential to be a quality, modern-style middle-6 center. To get that much, and clear much-needed cap space, for a middle-6 winger with poor on-ice impacts is impressive.
I get why Pittsburgh had interest. Kapanen is fast, has some skill, is cost controlled, and is still only 24. That package is attractive to teams – especially those in win-now mode and up against it financially. I just think the cost of acquisition was much too high for a player of his caliber and that the Penguins would have been better off turning their attention elsewhere.
Sean Maloughney
This is a smart deal for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Kapanen is a fine young player but he has had opportunities to play with some elite level talent in both Tavares and Matthews and hasn't yet proven he can be a consistent top six player. This deal accomplishes a few things for the Leafs.
First off the fact that they were able to not only pry a first round pick from Pittsburgh but also a young well thought of prospect in Filip Hallander and RFA Evan Rodriques who could find a role in the Leafs bottom six. Perhaps more important than any of that is the 3.2 million dollars in cap space that Dubas cleared in the trade, giving the team more room to sign some defensemen.
For Rutherford this is another headscratcher. Giving up what the Pens did for a player who has top six potential but has yet to establish himself is a risky move and an odd one at this time of year when a number of other potential suitors are playing games and unable to make moves. Rutherford's phone should be ringing non-stop now as every other GM is going to want to make moves with him. I look forward to the Oilers sending gritty hard nosed not overpriced defender Kris Russell out East for Tristan Jarry.
James Tanner
This trade is a pretty clear win for the Leafs and a pretty clear indication that Pittsburgh needs a new general manager. The Leafs trade a fast, talented player who couldn't score despite ample time playing with some of the best offensive players in the world. IN two out of three seasons, Kapanen has been a sub-replacement level player, and for this the Penguins paid a first, a younger, cheaper prospect with a higher ceiling. The Leafs get 2 assets and a ton of cap space for a player they have already replaced. Big win for the Leafs.
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