Oilers and Leafs rumored to be discussing a trade

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Ryan Hall
July 14, 2024 (8:40 PM)

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Reports have surfaced that the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be discussing a potential trade as both teams are looking for change in their rosters.

General manager Jeff Jackson amid looking for help in his middle and bottom six offense as he seeks to have balance across his lineup. The Maple Leafs are looking to shed some salary and rumored to be willing to move center David Kampf as he holds a contract worth $2.1 million AAV.

It's likely that Kampf may need a change of scenery to reignite his career as it had stalled with the Maple Leafs. There will be serious question marks regarding his role with the team with incoming head coach Craig Berube may not offer a style that will fit his.

The Leafs will be looking for draft capital and younger players in return as they are lean in the Marlies and their prospects.

This brings us to the Oilers who are a team that holds speed and skill which may suit Kampf more. The 29-year-old center played 78 games this past season and scored eight goals with 11 assists for 19 points and was a - 4. This was a large drop from his best season two years ago of 7 goals, 20 assists for 27 points.

There have been some concerns of the Oilers bottom six centres going into the beginning of the season being Adam Henrique and Derek Ryan. Both are fine players, but an upgrade at 4th line center may be needed down the playoffs, and it wouldn't hurt to have a younger penalty kill specialist.

Additionally, it's been reported that the Maple Leafs may be interested in moving defenceman Timothy Liljegren. If the Oilers see him as an upgrade and can find a way to move Kulak and Ceci, Liljegren could be a good value-add for a young two-way defenceman with some potential.

Everything in it remains to be seen on how the Oilers will continue their off season as Jackson will continue his search for a full-time general manager. Kampf could be a nice upgrade for the departed center Ryan McLeod.