Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly Interested in Detroit Red Wings’ Riley Sheahan
According to Sportsnet’s hockey insiders, Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have expressed interest in Detroit Red Wings’ forward Riley Sheahan.
With the NHL Trade Deadline just three days away, there were plenty of rumours being mentioned on Hockey Night in Canada during their weekly Saturday Headlines segment. Sportsnet hockey insiders Nick Kypreos and Elliotte Friedman touched on the usual rumours, including the Kevin Shattenkirk sweepstakes, but they also mentioned how the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings could be trade partners at the deadline.
According to Kypreos, the Maple Leafs have expressed interest in 24-year-old Riley Sheahan and would like to acquire him for depth purposes.
"“Riley Sheahan has drawn some interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs… Maybe the fact that his stock might be a little low, the Leafs can take advantage of that. Maybe even look for a Red Wing discount — alumni discount — with Shanahan and Babcock, but that’s not going to be the case. He’s just 24 years old. We know the market has been set a little bit with Patrick Eaves getting that conditional second-round that might turn into a first, but Sheahan is 24 years old, so the feeling is, regardless of being goalless, that could cost you as much as a first-rounder if the Leafs want him."
Friedman also mentioned teams have expressed interest in Wings’ defenceman Brendan Smith, and I’ll presume the Leafs are one of those teams, but Detroit is apparently trying to re-sign him and they’re hoping to not part ways with the soon-to-be UFA defenceman.
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As for Sheahan, he makes sense from a hockey perspective and would be an upgrade over Ben Smith or Frederik Gauthier on the fourth line, but the asking price of a first-rounder is laughable. Unless I’m missing something here with Sheahan, how he would be able to command a first-rounder is beyond me.
I get the Leafs could use an upgrade at centre on their fourth line, but, come on, even at the young age of 24, Sheahan is not worth a first. I mean, giving up a first for a fourth line centre is the exact kind of deal this Leafs’ regime has been avoiding, so why would they all the sudden make such a horrific move?
Regardless, I’m sure if we’re asking ourselves this question, Lou Lamoriello has definitely already asked himself this and likely told Ken Holland to re-evaluate his asking price, so there’s likely no need to fret.
Also, let’s keep in mind, Kypreos wasn’t saying that the Wings were asking for a first-rounder, he was merely saying a player like Sheahan could cost as much as a first. Either way, a first for Sheahan is ridiculous.
Looking past the potentially expensive asking price, Sheahan is a decent player who can chip-in as a bottom six forward. He won’t overwhelm you with his numbers, but he owns a career 52 CF% and is 48.9 percent in the face-off circle. Contract wise, the St. Catharines, ON native carries a $2.07 million AAV and will become a restricted free agent after 2017-18 season.
Overall, despite being goalless, Sheahan is a decent player who could likely contribute in a bottom six role for the Leafs. However, the Wings’ potential asking price would have to come down substantially before any deal gets done.
Next: Is Brendan Smith a Realistic Target?
What do you think about Riley Sheahan? Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should pursue him in a trade? What would you give up for him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.