The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a strong start to the 2021-2022 NHL season, currently sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division with a record of 10-4-1. However, as the season progresses, it’s important for teams to constantly evaluate their roster and make necessary changes to stay competitive. And with the Vancouver Canucks struggling this season, the Maple Leafs may have the opportunity to find an undervalued asset in one of their castaway forwards.
The Canucks have had a rough start to the season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division with a record of 4-10-2. As a result, they have already made some significant changes to their roster, including trading away key players like Nate Schmidt and Tyler Toffoli. And with the team looking to rebuild, it’s likely that they will continue to make moves to shake up their lineup.
One player who could potentially become available is forward Jake Virtanen. The 25-year-old has been with the Canucks since 2014, but has struggled to find consistent success in the NHL. In fact, he has only scored 100 points in 317 career games and has been a healthy scratch for the majority of this season. However, this could be a perfect opportunity for the Maple Leafs to take a chance on Virtanen and potentially turn him into a valuable asset.
First and foremost, Virtanen brings size and physicality to the ice. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at 226 pounds, he has the ability to use his body to create space and win battles along the boards. This is an area where the Maple Leafs have struggled in the past, and adding Virtanen to their lineup could provide some much-needed grit and toughness.
But it’s not just his physicality that makes Virtanen an attractive option for the Maple Leafs. He also has a strong offensive skill set that has yet to fully translate to the NHL level. In his last season with the AHL’s Utica Comets, he scored 36 points in just 69 games, showcasing his potential as a top-six forward. And with the Maple Leafs’ high-powered offense, Virtanen could thrive playing alongside talented players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Of course, there are some risks involved in taking a chance on Virtanen. He has faced criticism for his inconsistent play and off-ice behavior, which has led to him being demoted to the AHL in the past. However, with a strong leadership group in Toronto and a winning culture, Virtanen could benefit from a change of scenery and the opportunity to prove himself on a contending team.
Moreover, the Maple Leafs have a history of turning castaways into valuable assets. Just look at the success of players like Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton, who were both considered past their prime when they joined the team but have become key contributors. This shows that the Maple Leafs have the ability to bring out the best in players who may have struggled elsewhere.
In addition, the Maple Leafs have the cap space to take on Virtanen’s contract, which has a cap hit of $2.55 million for this season and the next. This is a reasonable price for a player with Virtanen’s potential, and it wouldn’t be a significant risk for the Maple Leafs to take on.
In conclusion, the Toronto Maple Leafs have the opportunity to find an undervalued asset in Jake Virtanen, a Vancouver Canucks castaway forward. With his size, physicality, and offensive potential, Virtanen could be a valuable addition to the Maple Leafs’ roster. And with their strong leadership and winning culture, the Maple Leafs have the ability to bring out the best in Virtanen and turn him into a key contributor. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off for the Maple Leafs this season and beyond.
