Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 factors to consider in trading Petr Mrazek

With the NHL trade deadline edging ever closer, we consider the justification of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempting to move goaltender Petr Mrazek.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a precarious situation right now. They desperately need to strengthen their blue line ahead of the trade deadline, but only have $203,230 in cap space for this season.

This cap space is projected to increase to just over $1.077 million by the March 21 trade deadline, which is still clearly not a good financial position. As a result, the Leafs are going to have to consider — among other things — which players and draft picks they are prepared to offer in return for a quality defenceman.

Whether it’s as part of a return package for a blue-liner or just to improve their cap situation, one player Toronto should consider trading is Petr Mrazek. With a yearly cap hit of $3.8 million and a contract which runs through the 2023-24 season, moving him would certainly benefit the Leafs

The question is, how feasible is such a scenario? We appreciate critics will throw cold water on this suggestion with various points.

Potential arguments include the recent struggles of Jack Campbell, Mrazek’s own improved play of late and a packed schedule, as reasons not to move the goaltender. As such, let’s take a look at each of these counter-points:

1) Campbell’s recent performances

Starting with Campbell, we acknowledge his form hasn’t been stellar of late, having allowed five goals in four of his previous eight starts. Prior to this however, he had been consistently excellent for one and a half seasons.

Further, consider that the 2022 All-Star was playing at an extremely high level earlier this season, often covering for the inconsistencies and mistakes of other players on the team. This level of play was unsustainable and a downward turn in form was always likely to happen.

In terms of covering for other players, last Thursday night’s 5-2 loss in Calgary offered a classic example of this. Campbell was left on his own on three of the Flames’ goals, due to defensive breakdowns.

Admittedly, the 30-year-old would have been more likely to stop at least some of the three goals earlier in the season. In this respect however, there is every indication he is just suffering a temporary loss of form (and confidence) and will bounce back to his previous form.

We appreciate doubts will continue to be raised about Campbell’s ability to carry the load. However, you can counter that he’s already done enough overall this season and last to show he is finally living up to the potential which made him the 11th pick in the 2010 draft.