Trades around the NHL are heating up in a big way, with the deadline almost here. Wednesday saw multiple trade candidates get dealt. The Calgary Flames traded defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth. Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach were traded to the Edmonton Oilers, while Andrew Mangiapane was sent the other way to the Chicago Blackhawks with a first-round pick.
Yet, while trades are starting to pick up, the Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to make their first trade of this week. This is expected to change shortly, as the Maple Leafs have several trade candidates to watch over the next few days. This is especially so when noting that Bobby McMann, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Scott Laughton were all recently scratched for roster-related reasons.
The Maple Leafs also have another notable trade candidate in forward Nicolas Roy. The 29-year-old forward should generate plenty of interest around the league, as he is an impactful two-way center who kills penalties and chips in offensively. He also has a $3 million cap hit until the end of next season, which adds to his appeal.
With Roy being exactly the kind of player that contenders love to add and having term on his contract, the Maple Leafs have set a high asking price for the veteran forward.
Maple Leafs Looking for Big Return in Potential Nicolas Roy Trade
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Maple Leafs want a first-round pick and a prospect in any potential trade centering around Roy. In addition, Seravalli shared that the Maple Leafs have zero interest in retaining any of Roy’s $3 million cap hit until the end of next season. Thus, any potential suitors would need to take on Roy’s full salary in a move.
“Sources say asking price for Maple Leafs C Nicolas Roy has held steady at a 1st round pick plus a prospect – and Toronto is not willing to retain salary at that price,” Seravalli posted on X.
With Roy having a good contract and being a top-nine center with size, it is understandable that they are expecting a big offer in any potential deal centering around Roy. It is no secret that Roy is one of the better top-nine centers remaining on the trade market, so the Maple Leafs are in a position to be patient and wait for the right offer.
Roy has also proven to be a strong fit in the Maple Leafs’ lineup this season and is having a solid year. In 58 games so far this campaign, he has recorded 20 points, 61 hits, and an even plus/minus rating. He has also had success at the dot, as he has a 52.4 faceoff winning percentage.
Maple Leafs’ Roy Should Have Several Suitors
With Roy being one of the better bottom-six centers left on the market, there is no question that he should have multiple suitors. A few teams that could make sense as landing spots for Roy include the Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and Anaheim Ducks.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Maple Leafs end up moving Roy before the deadline from here.
Maple Leafs Set Steep Asking Price for 6-Foot-4 Center