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Toronto Maple Leafs Rumors: At Least One Team has Inquired About James van Riemsdyk

By Chris Okrainetz

Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) motions from the bench during the game in which he scored a hat trick against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) motions from the bench during the game in which he scored a hat trick against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Predators 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Toronto Maple Leafs in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, would the team still consider trading James van Riemsdyk?

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, at least one team has kicked the tires on Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk, although it doesn’t sound like anything serious.

Alright, before people jump all over Dreger for tweeting out what is a speculation report, he did follow up by saying that he doesn’t see why Toronto would deal JVR during the season, unless they got an offer they couldn’t refuse.

By “an offer they can’t refuse,” I think he meant a top pairing defenceman. Who that might be is debatable, but outside of a top D, the only other worthwhile return would be a slew of picks or prospects that the Leafs simply couldn’t say no to.

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Before we discuss what JVR is worth, though, let’s talk about who this mystery team could be that inquired about him and is worried they might be on his no-trade list. I highly doubt a rebuilding team would inquire about JVR, especially since his contract is up after next season, so I would guess that this team is: A) in the playoff picture, and B) more than likely plays in a small market.

Looking at the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild would fit this description. While in the Eastern Conference I would guess the New Jersey Devils — because of Ray Shero’s affinity for American players — or the New York Islanders, since they’re desperate to find a talented winger to place next to John Tavares. I wouldn’t call either team a “strong suitor” for JVR, however, especially since both teams face an uphill climb to make the postseason.

It’s no secret JVR is the Leafs best trade asset, but would the Leafs actually move him while they are in hot pursuit of a playoff spot? I think we can all agree that Toronto would be extremely selective in who they move JVR for, but given their abundance of talented wingers, I think they would strongly consider trading him.

Of course, it all comes down to who the Leafs would get in return, but with forwards like Nikita Soshnikov and Kasperi Kapanen waiting in the wings, Toronto has more than enough forward depth to potentially move JVR.

Let’s just say the Leafs did trade JVR, they could move William Nylander to Tyler Bozak and Mitch Marner‘s line, slide Soshnikov next to Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov, and then insert Josh Leivo as their fourth line winger to fill Soshnikov’s spot.

Replacing JVR’s production up front is a tall task, but when you look at the team’s long-term outlook and consider their riches of talented prospects on the wings, the Leafs can afford to part ways with JVR if it means they’ll receive a top pairing defenceman. That’s a big if, though.

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What do you think the Leafs should do with JVR? Should they keep him for this season and explore trading him during the offseason? Or should they trade him this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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