The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly "in the mix" for Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, but any deal would need to involve left winger Matthew Knies.
Trade rumors surrounding superstar defenseman Zach Werenski continue to heighten, and it remains to be seen what his future looks like with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
One thing that's for sure is that if Werenski indeed gets moved, several teams will be lining up to receive his services, and in that lineup is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It was reported on Tuesday by TSN's Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading that Toronto is a team that is involved in the pursuit of Werenski, and among the multiple teams that are interested in the Norris Trophy winner.
"The Toronto Maple Leafs, yes, they are in the mix," LeBrun said.
As Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell surveys the options on the trade market, he's made it clear that he's not interested in assets for the future. Instead, he's looking for a return that can help him in the NHL today.
For the Maple Leafs, that would include 23-year-old left winger Matthew Knies.
"Matthew Knies would be part of any package that Columbus would look at, but I don't know if the Leafs have enough assets to entice the Blue Jackets," LeBrun added.
Knies is one of the few star forwards in the NHL without trade protection in his contract. He only has a 10-team no-trade clause in the final year of his deal, which is in 2030-31. Naturally, with his talent, at his age, and contract situation, he's Toronto's most valuable and tradeable asset.
So, when a team like the Blue Jackets are looking for effective roster players in return, the Maple Leafs will likely have no choice but to part with Knies if they want Werenski.
Werenski, on the other hand, has a no-move clause in his contract for the coming season. However, it's been reported that Toronto is a destination that Werenski would be willing to waive for.
Speaking of Werenski's control with his contract, late on Tuesday night, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that he vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars and prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference if he's traded.
The 28-year-old blueliner has two more years left on his contract, earning $9.583 million against the salary cap.
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