Major Trade Proposal Solves All Maple Leafs Problems In Front of the Net

An Important Trade Proposal to Solve The Leafs' Goalie Problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a difficult situation with their goalies. They already have Matt Murray and Joseph Woll signed, and their main goalie, Ilya Samsonov, recently chose arbitration, which adds to their salary cap problem. To deal with this, they may have to let go of either Murray or Samsonov, or maybe both, in order to stay within the salary cap for the next season.

A major trade proposal was made, and it would solve the whole situation in Toronto.

To Trade or Not to Trade?

This trade seems beneficial for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers, considering their different situations. The Leafs need to stay under the salary cap, while the Flyers have more flexibility.

When comparing Samsonov and Hart, they have similar statistics. Samsonov was chosen in the first round in 2015, and Hart was picked in the early second round in 2016. While Hart has consistently performed well, Samsonov had a breakthrough season with the Leafs last year, with a save percentage of .919 and a goals against average of 2.33. In comparison, Hart had a save percentage of .907 and a goals against average of 2.94.


So why would the Leafs consider this trade?

Even though Hart played for a less successful team, he often made incredible saves that kept the Flyers in the game. He's one of the rare NHL goalies who can single-handedly change the outcome of a series, similar to Sergei Bobrovsky's amazing performances against the Leafs.

From a financial perspective, Hart's salary of less than $4 million next season is attractive for the Leafs, especially considering Samsonov would likely demand a higher salary.

On the other side, the Flyers would gain a goalie who had an impressive season and could mentor their young Russian goalies. As a bonus, they would also receive a 3rd round pick in the 2024 draft along with Samsonov.

Would you make that trade?

As seen on Hockey Patrol - Trade Proposal Emerges That Solves The Leafs Goaltending Dilemma