The Toronto Maple Leafs are potentially considering a trade that would free up valuable salary cap space and open up roster spots, according to recent reports. This move is possibly motivated by the team's interest in acquiring versatile forward Jack Roslovic.
The proposed trade, as suggested by Heavy.com, involves sending Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for two third-round picks (2026 and 2027). This trade would see the Penguins absorbing Kampf's $2.4 million contract, which has two years remaining, and Robertson's $1.825 million deal, which has one year left.
For Toronto, the primary benefit of this trade would be shedding Kampf's salary and avoiding taking on any players in return that would further strain their cap situation. With newcomers like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli already vying for positions, this move would also create more competition for the limited bottom-six roles.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, would be taking a calculated risk. The Penguins, who are not expected to be strong contenders this season, could afford to take on Kampf's contract and assess whether Robertson can thrive in a different environment. If Robertson performs well, they would have added scoring depth at a minimal cost. Kyle Dubas, the Penguins' GM, drafted Robertson while with the Leafs, adding another layer of intrigue to the potential deal.
One of the surprising aspects of this potential trade is the inclusion of Nick Robertson, especially after the Maple Leafs just signed him to a new contract. However, it's important to remember that signing a player doesn't guarantee they will remain with the team. The contract could have been a way to avoid an arbitration hearing and maintain a positive relationship with the player, rather than a definitive commitment to keeping him on the roster. Robertson's position with the Maple Leafs remains uncertain, and he hasn't yet solidified a consistent role for himself.
Several factors contribute to the Maple Leafs' potential need to clear cap space and adjust their roster. The NHL's salary cap is projected to be $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season. As of late May 2025, the Leafs had a projected cap hit of approximately $69.79 million, leaving them with around $25.71 million in cap space. However, this space needs to accommodate new acquisitions and potential raises for existing players.
The Maple Leafs have been actively reshaping their roster this offseason, with the front office aiming to create a more balanced team. The departure of Mitch Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, created a significant void in the top-six forward group. To address this, the team has acquired players like Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli.
However, even with these additions, the Maple Leafs may still be looking to add another top-six forward. This pursuit could involve further trades, and moving out players like Robertson, Kampf, and Jarnkrok could provide the necessary assets to make such a deal. Chris Johnston from The Athletic has identified these three as potential trade candidates.
The Maple Leafs' goaltending situation appears stable with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll as the established duo. However, changes among the forward ranks seem likely as the team seeks to optimize its roster for a deeper playoff run.
Other potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs include Connor Murphy, a physical right-handed defenseman. He has been linked to the Leafs in the past and could add size and toughness to the blueline. However, his $4.4 million cap hit might be a hurdle, and the Leafs may need to shed salary to accommodate him.
Ultimately, whether this specific trade proposal comes to fruition remains to be seen. However, it highlights the Maple Leafs' ongoing efforts to manage their cap space, adjust their roster, and improve their chances of contending for the Stanley Cup in the 2025-26 season.
