Steven Stamkos sweepstakes: Maple Leafs facing competition from two other teams
Photo credit: Per Haljestam-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly shown interest in Steven Stamkos, although according to one insider, there are plenty of other teams looking to get involved.
With the Maple Leafs struggling to get off the ground this season, it should come as no surprise that the team would be looking at acquiring a big name.
Recently, we even reported that the Maple Leafs had more than just kicked a few tires on Steven Stamkos, who is currently struggling with the Nashville Predators.
Based on reporting from Cam Robinson, it really does feel like general manager Brad Treliving wants to make a big move, and he wants to do so fast.
Not to mention, pairing Stamkos with someone like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies could lead to some truly incredible production, and we're sure Stamkos himself wouldn't mind such an arrangement.
Toronto Maple Leafs not alone in pursuit of Steven Stamkos
However, Robinson also warns that there are other teams interested in Stamkos, and they might be able to prepare much better trade packages.
Those teams are the Florida Panthers and the Anaheim Ducks. One of these teams is an up-and-comer, while the other has two back-to-back Stanley Cups.
If he did leave, the first preference would be to go to somewhere with a warmer climate, and so the first thing you think of is Florida Panthers but the other one I was thinking about too is Anaheim, they have cap space, they have a very very young team, but the one I was told has maybe even more than just kicked the tires on Stamkos is the Toronto Maple Leafs
At the end of the day, Leafs fans probably shouldn't expect too much when it comes to the topic of Stamkos. After all, Brad Treliving recently said that he won't take any big swings right now, although based on what we reported above, these latest comments feel like a contradiction.
The Leafs are seventh in the Atlantic Division and have a record of 9-9-2. They need to do a lot better than that if they want to make the playoffs, and a player like Stamkos would help tremendously.
That said, Stamkos has just five points in 20 games this season, which makes you wonder whether or not his struggles are based on environment, or age and injuries taking their toll.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 570 ANSWERS Steven Stamkos sweepstakes: Maple Leafs facing competition from two other teams Do you believe Steven Stamkos will be traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 135 | 23.7 % |
| NO | 435 | 76.3 % |
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