The Toronto Maple Leafs focused on strengthening their defense during the offseason, and there’s a trade proposal that involves them acquiring star defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames.
Using the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia, one user suggested a trade where the Maple Leafs would get Weegar, who has a salary of $1.1 million retained. In exchange, the Flames would receive Ben Danford, David Kampf, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick from Florida.
This potential deal could be a significant move, allowing Toronto to land Weegar in exchange for two draft picks, a recent first-round draft selection, and an NHL player. Weegar is currently in the second year of an eight-year, $50 million contract. At 30 years old, he’s recognized as a premier defenseman who excels in defensive shutdown roles while also contributing offensively. Last season, Weegar achieved 20 goals and 32 assists for a total of 52 points in 82 games with Calgary. If traded, he would likely serve as the second-line right-shot defenseman, enhancing the right side of Toronto’s defense.
The Maple Leafs would be giving up two draft picks along with Danford, who was chosen in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft and is currently playing in the OHL. Danford is expected to take a couple more years before reaching the NHL level. Kampf, on the other hand, is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract and could serve as Calgary’s fourth-line center, contributing to a defensive line for the Flames.
However, Flames general manager Craig Conroy has reportedly indicated to teams that he is finished with the fire sale, as per TSN’s NHL insider Pierre LeBrun. “Craig Conroy is puzzled by the expectations surrounding trades,” LeBrun said. “He has already conducted a fire sale over the past 12 to 15 months.” Conroy views core veterans like Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, and Blake Coleman as integral to the team’s transition rather than candidates for trade. His goal is to foster a positive culture in Calgary without dismantling the team completely.
In addition to ceasing his fire sale, Conroy is also looking to add some center depth. The Flames have started the 2024-25 NHL season strong, with a record of 4-0.
On the other hand, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube is satisfied with the team’s defensive performance in their opening four games. The organization made a concerted effort to enhance its defense during free agency, and Berube has adopted a defensive-first coaching style. He noted that the team’s commitment to shutting down opposing offenses has been crucial. “The mindset is key when it comes to our defensive play,” Berube commented. “We’re tightly marking our opponents and limiting odd-man rushes, but we need to continue stressing this.” He acknowledged that the team allowed too much offensive pressure from the Kings in a recent match but praised their performance in front of the net and in protecting the slot area.
The Maple Leafs will next face off against the New York Rangers on October 19.
