Edmonton Oilers emerge as likely trade partner for the Toronto Maple Leafs after Their Top Left Wing Sustains injury
The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially aid the Edmonton Oilers by offering a replacement for Evander Kane while also benefiting themselves in the long run.
With Evander Kane sidelined for several months following surgery, the Oilers are suddenly missing a crucial player just as the season is approaching, leaving them with limited options. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have a surplus of forwards after adding Max Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz, and Alexander Nylander, re-signing Nick Robertson, and seeing the emergence of Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. As a result, several regulars may soon find themselves on the trade market.
Players like David Kämpf, Calle Järnkrok, and Pontus Holmberg stand out as potential trade candidates. Shedding their salaries would not only help Toronto clear cap space but also create flexibility for emergency signings.
David Kämpf, who is set to earn $2.4 million over the next three years, has been a solid fourth-line forward but may not have a long-term role with the Leafs. Although Kane has a higher offensive ceiling, Kämpf brings strong defensive play and faceoff skills—assets Edmonton could use for a deep playoff run. Kämpf has been reliable, missing only four games in three seasons and posting career-high offensive numbers in Toronto.
Calle Järnkrok, although smaller than Kane, could fill a similar role for the Oilers. Järnkrok has shown his scoring ability with 20 goals in 2022-2023 and was consistent in Nashville, averaging 14 goals over six seasons. His versatility allows him to play both center and wing, and his $2.1 million salary could be an attractive cap dump for Toronto, freeing up space to sign Pacioretty and Lorentz.
Pontus Holmberg, a 25-year-old with two years of NHL experience, could also be a good fit for Edmonton. While he’s shown promise in Toronto, he might benefit from a change of scenery and could find chemistry with fellow Maple Leaf Connor Brown or veteran Corey Perry. Holmberg’s cap hit is low at $800K, but if Toronto wanted to clear more space, they could package him with Conor Timmins or Timothy Liljegren.
Of the potential trade candidates, Kämpf seems like the most logical choice for Toronto to move. Although he’s been a hardworking player, his salary doesn’t match his production. By moving his $2.5 million contract, the Leafs could free up cap space for future signings or to retain key players like Mitch Marner. With Fraser Minten likely securing a roster spot, the Leafs would be helping themselves and Edmonton by making this move.
With the season fast approaching, both the Leafs and Oilers face important decisions. Toronto needs more cap flexibility, and Edmonton needs healthy players. A trade between the two teams could benefit both, and if they collaborate now, it might not be the last time we see Edmonton make a deep playoff run—potentially into June.
