The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired LW Patrick Marleau, a 2020 1st round pick and a 2020 7th round pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2020 6th round pick.
The Leafs absolutely need to free up cap space. They now have a projected $14 million in cap space, and need to sign RFAs Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson. There is still a good chance that they will trade another contract as well to get everybody signed. Marleau had a cap hit of $6.25 million, and since he is older than 35, buying him out doesn\’t save any cap space. A first round pick is a tough ask, but you don\’t want to lose Marner.
Marleau, 39, scored 16 goals with with 21 assists for 37 points in 82 games this season. In his NHL career for the Leafs and the San Jose Sharks, Marleau has scored 551 goals with 615 assists for 1166 points in 1657 games.
The Canes just pay $6.25 million for a first round pick. They have a lot of cap space, and they will reportedly buy out Marleau. Getting a first round pick is a very good deal. It is top 10 lottery protected. They just give up a sixth, but get a seventh rounder as well. Marleau will want to go back to San Jose, where he played his first 19 years.
CarterHud 