Interestingly, the exodus from the Calgary Flames appears to be continuing. This time the player who chose not to re-sign with the Flames was Tyler Toffoli. As a result, the word was today that the Flames offered offense as a business possibility.
Bad news from Calgary could be good news for Brad Treleving
On the one hand, you have to think that former Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treleving must feel bad for the old Flames team. At the same time, as the new General Manager (GM) of the Toronto Maple Leafs, you also need to know that he is ready to jump in and make every effort to get quality players for his new team.
Now you just have to wonder what he thinks of Tofoli as a Maple Leafs prospect.
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What does Toffoli bring to the ice?
Treliving could see Toffoli as a potential fit for his new team’s first six unit. Here are some of the things Toffoli brings to the ice when he plays.
What Toffoli brings one: Offensive production
Toffoli had an impressive season with the Flames. He led the team in goals and points. He has been able to score between 20 and 30 goals per season consistently. This additional scoring would provide a boost to Toronto’s first six attacking squad.
What Toffoli offers are two: defensive presence
In addition to his offensive abilities, Toffoli is also a reliable defensive presence on the ice. In this way, he will benefit from the overall Maple Leafs team match. It is a positive thing to have a player who excels at both ends of the ice.
What Tovoli brings to three: Power-on option
Toffoli’s skill set makes him a valuable asset as part of the power game. The Maple Leafs could benefit from his scoring ability – at least – on a second power play unit. Toffoli has a knack for finding open spaces to generate scoring chances with a man advantage.
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What Toffoli brought in for Four: His contract status
Toffoli only has one year left on his contract. It could mean that flames will be more incentivizing to trade with. They’ve already had (as Treliving knows all too well) players walking into free agency for nothing.
They wish to avoid losing it for nothing. This situation can work in favor of the Maple Leafs in terms of business negotiations. Toffoli may be a possibility. [As an aside, I’m wondering if the Maple Leafs might move William Nylander for him. Nylander was born in Calgary when his dad played there. Stranger things have happened.]
What brings tofouli five: the previous connection
Treliving’s history with the Flames gives him insight into the organization and the players within it. If he liked toffoli, he would be familiar enough with it to facilitate business discussions and possibly help reach a favorable deal.
bottom line
Although the above points help make a case for Treliving to pursue a deal for Toffoli, there’s an important question we don’t know the answer to. That’s if Treliving thinks Toffoli is the kind of player he wants on his Maple Leafs team.
Before any deal is made, it must be evaluated for its potential impact on the team’s overall strategy, roster, and salary cap implications. It all comes into play with a top six player like
Toffoli is.
His contract requires $4.25 million – can the team fit that into their plans?
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