Trade rumors in the NHL never get old and today there is noise picking up that the Leafs may be looking to trade One of their goalies to the desert.
Leafs Looking To Trade Samsonov To Coyotes
The rumor is very specific. If it is to be believed, the Leafs are looking to send defenseman T.J. Brodie, goaltender Ilya Samsonov, forward prospect Nick Moldenhauer, and a 2024 1st round pick to the Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Matt Dumba, goalie Connor Ingram, and a 2024 3rd-round pick.
"Trade chatter reveals that the Arizona Coyotes are in talks to send defenseman Matt Dumba, goalie Connor Ingram, and a 2024 3rd-round pick to Toronto. In return, the Coyotes would receive T.J. Brodie, who would indeed have to waive his no-trade clause, goaltender Ilya Samsonov, prospect Nick Moldenhauer, and a coveted 1st round pick in 2024."
Leafs Sacrificing Goaltending For Defense?
Admittedly, this trade seems a bit far fetched. Connor Ingram and Joseph Woll have played a combined 48 career NHL games. Although Woll has looked very sharp to start the season, playing a full year and going into the playoffs with such an unproven tandem feels like a disaster waiting to happen.
Matt Dumba may be a slight upgrade over T.J. Brodie, and it helps that he is a right shot defenseman, but even that move feels like only a slight upgrade. Replacing Samsonov with Ingram is almost certainly a downgrade and the Leafs are also giving up a 1st round pick and getting a 3rd rounder back, another downgrade.
The Leafs would, however, get some cap relief with this trade, potentially allowing them to make another move in the future. Perhaps that is the most valuable asset they are getting here.
