Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The Stanley Cup will be inside the building and a champion could be awarded. Also, the offseason is in full swing and the buzz is growing larger for the other 30 teams. Today’s Rumours swirl around the Toronto Maple Leafs and linking them to a defenceman.
NHL Rumours
Rumour: David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period discusses teams calling on Shea Theodore
The offseason is going to be a frenzy. Between multiple teams willing to trade their first round draft picks to cast of characters in free agency, this summer is going to be fun for hockey. Although, there is much more to be intrigued by with this upcoming offseason.
The trade market is a hot one and there have been numerous key players available for trade. Jacob Markstrom and Linus Ullmark highlight the goalie market. Patrik Laine highlights the forward market and there is always going to be a growing buzz surrounding Mitch Marner. However, there is one name that could be available and teams have been calling about.
Teams Calling on Shea Theodore
The latest NHL Rumours swirl around the Toronto Maple Leafs and being linked to Theodore. In reality it makes sense, as the Golden Knights are right up against the salary cap. Also, they have numerous holes to fill and if they did intend to move Theodore it would financially relive them. Theodore has one year left on his contract and has a salary cap hit of $5.2 million. He is 28 years old, so there is alot of great hockey left for him.
It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs are looking for defence. They’ve been searching for that all season long and even at the trade deadline. Sure they went on to add guys like Joel Edmundson, but this team needs higher impact players. Adding a guy like Theodore would be a huge boost to the back end. It was reported by Kypreos that the Maple Leafs would target Brandon Montour. Theodore is a similar player and can bring similar value.
How Theodore Fits A Need
He fits a big need for the Maple Leafs. Not only do they have glaring holes to fill on the back end, but they also need a puck moving defenceman. Theodore can help with that and is a good puck mover from the back end. He has transformed his game since becoming a member of the Golden Knights and is an offensive threat from the back end.
Since the 2019-20 season, Theodore has surpassed the 40 point mark in every season. This also includes a career year of scoring 14 goals and 52 points in the 2021-22 season. Also, Theodore would be a huge asset on the Maple Leafs power play. He is not always going to light the lamp, but he is a precise passer and bodes will with the goal scorers the Maple Leafs have. Theodore is a player that can play top pair or second pair minutes. He would be able to complement Morgan Rielly and help form a more rounded out blue line. With one year left, Treliving can worry about the contract later.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
