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While the Toronto Maple Leafs are in Sweden readying for their two-game set as part of the Global Series, NHL general managers are convening in Toronto to discuss potential rules changes, and of course, talk trade.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun indicated in his column on Tuesday that front and center in terms of the early season trade market are the Calgary Flames, who stumbled out of the gate and appear ready to listen to offers on their four pending free agents Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov.
Zadorov through agent Daniel Milstein let it be known last weekend after playing in Toronto that he would like to be traded, and Chris Johnston reported whispers that he would like to go to Toronto
Flames GM Craig Conroy is trying to calm the waters and not appear desperate to move Zadorov, hoping to get the most in return for the big 28-year-old blueliner.
According to LeBrun, Leafs GM Brad Treliving is interested in both Zadorov and Tanev, but the blueliners collectively make $8.25 million and a deal for either or both would require the Flames retaining significant salary and Toronto sending a contract back to Calgary to make it work.
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Throughout the season, we will check in on the Toronto Maple Leafs prospects to see how they are progressing. The 2021 Draft saw Toronto with only three picks, but it appears the club hit one out of the park with second-rounder Matthew Knies.
Here is how the other players selected in the 2021 Draft are doing:
Ty Voit – LW – Toronto (AHL?)
The Leafs may have found a bargain in the fifth round with Pittsburgh, PA native, as Voit registered over 100 points in his third and final OHL season with Sarnia. Unfortunately, Voit’s first professional training camp ended before it began, as he was injured in the first game of the Traverse City Prospect Tournament.
It is unknown whether Voit will begin his pro career with the Marlies or getting more playing time with Newfoundland.
The 21-year-old was drafted in the sixth round in 2021 from the same Russian club that 2020 fourth round pick Artur Akhtyamov was selected. Akhtyamov was loaned to another VHL club while Peksa stayed within the Ak-Bars Kazan system.
This season Akhtyamov is splitting time in the KHL, while Peksa may have seen his opportunity blocked by him being one year younger. The Leafs signed the goalie to an ELC in May, and he has started his North American career in Newfoundland, where he has struggled in three starts.