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Are the Toronto Maple Leafs in on the Erik Karlsson trade talks? Per TSN’s Chris Johnston, the Norris Trophy winner spoke to the Swedish outlet Expressen and indicated that the Leafs were among a number of teams he had spoken to (included were Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, and Carolina Hurricanes, and others).
Karlsson has four years remaining at a cap hit of $11.5 million and would likely require the San Jose Sharks to retain and/or take back a sizable chunk of salary to make a deal possible.
GM Brad Treliving is known to be in contact with everyone in the league and keeps his irons in every fire to keep his options open, but the likelihood of the Leafs adding Karlsson are remote and would require a number of things to fall into place. Any deal would almost definitely have to include at least one future first-round pick (Toronto does not have one in 2025) and William Nylander, which would mean that Toronto will have closed the door on getting the 27-year-old winger signed to a contract extension.
That is the most realistic factor in this equation, since there seems to be no give on either side in negotiations, and it is unlikely that Treliving will go into the season without either signing Nylander to a new deal or trading him. Another factor would be the Sharks taking another significant salary in the deal (whether it be the LTIR deal of Jake Muzzin, goalie Matt Murray, or TJ Brodie).
Analysis: My belief is that the inclusion of the Leafs in these rumors is more to gain more media attention and traction with other clubs and not any realistic interest. Treliving is likely looking to improve the Leafs blueline and while not adverse to adding another highly-skilled offensive weapon in Karlsson, it is more likely that he would prefer to add more size and physicality on defense.
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The Leafs and goalie Ilya Samsonov went to arbitration on a new deal on Friday, which means the restricted free agent will get a one-year deal and could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, the decision from the arbitrator could come down as soon as Saturday or Sunday.