Maple Leafs Forward Remains on Trading Block, But the Latest Report is Not Good News

The Toronto Maple Leafs have $2.93 million remaining in cap space, but also have Nicholas Robertson's arbitration hearing to contend with in the next few weeks.

With cap space being at a premium, they're reportedly still working the phones in an effort to move off of some undesirable contracts, but to no avail, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

Forward Calle Jarnkrok has been on the trade block for a little while and previous reports have indicated that he's well aware of the situation and would be willing to work with GM Brad Treliving to find the right destination.

However, as Pagnotta mentions, the market hasn't been there for Treliving and the Maple Leafs, which is a bit surprising considering some of the cap dumps we've seen during the off-season.

Vancouver acquired Evander Kane from the Edmonton Oilers for a 4th round pick, the Dallas Stars moved Matt Dumba and a 2nd round pick to Pittsburgh, and Columbus acquired Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle from Colorado.

In the case of Columbus and Vancouver, they had actual interest in the players they acquired, however, considering their cap hits, teams like Edmonton and Colorado made easy work in alleviating cap space.

The Maple Leafs will probably have to use Dallas as an example because if they haven't been able to move Jarnkrok by now, they're going to have to add a sweetener to get it done.

Toronto's draft cupboard is pretty barren at the moment with 3 picks in 2026 and no first or third round picks in 2027, however they have all but a third round pick in 2028.

It shouldn't come at a higher cost than a mid-round pick, which the Leafs have, so Treliving is going to have to decide which asset is more valuable to him between cap space and future draft picks.

Jarnkrok will continue to be dangled in trade conversations this summer, however at this very moment, a trade does not seem imminent unless the Leafs are willing to part with another asset.