REPORT: Maple Leafs Interested In Two Sharks Leaders
According to reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in acquiring San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro and forward Luke Kunin.
Brett Holmes-USA TODAY Sports - REPORT: Maple Leafs Interested In Two Sharks LeadersAccording to reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in acquiring San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro and forward Luke Kunin.
Per The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs would entertain trading a first-round pick for a player with term left on their contract. While that is not the case for Kunin, he will be a restricted free agent after this season, so the Leafs will have more control.
Kunin would slot in perfectly on the Leafs' third or fourth lines. He is responsible defensively and can play both wing and center. Although he only has ten points (8 goals, 2 assists), he consistently finds himself around the net. The Maple Leafs would welcome that into their lineup, no question.
He is the perfect candidate to play physical, playoff-style hockey, something the Maple Leafs have lacked. While he isn't as intimidating as Ryan Reaves, he is a better player than him, which would be an upgrade on the fourth line.
Ferraro has two years left at $3,250,000 per year. He has shown that he can defend against top players in the NHL and eat minutes. He's also shown that he can jump into the offensive rush when needed.
"The Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in Ferraro and Kunin and are more likely to move a first-round pick for an asset with term. Including a first-rounder in a package could interest both clubs," David Pagnotta writes.
Pagnotta also mentions that the Edmonton Oilers could be suiters for Kunin and Ferraro. Edmonton and Toronto need to move a contract to make the trade work, and the Sharks have the space to help.
"I'd also throw the Edmonton Oilers in the mix for both players, as well. In either Toronto or Edmonton's case, a contract or two would have to go back San Jose's way to make the finances work," Pagnotta writes.
The Sharks highly value players like Kunin, Ferraro, and Nico Sturm, and head coach David Quinn expects a premium price tag for them.
"We put a high premium on [playing fast and physical]," Quinn said. "I would imagine that if anybody's gonna get players like that from us, they are going to have to pay for it."
With the Sharks being open for business, the goal for Quinn is to keep the team working hard and being together. Like players, there is no way around this time of the year, and the best thing to do is come to the rink every day and work.
"For the most part, I think we've done a good job playing for each other and still trying to win hockey games," Quinn said.
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