Full Breakdown
NHL Trade Rumors: Carey Price and Toronto Maple Leafs' Moves
9/3/2025, 3:06:16 PM
Toronto Maple Leafs' Roster Reshaping
The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring options to enhance their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Following the trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, the team has added players like Mattias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua but is still seeking a top-six forward. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Maple Leafs are considering moving defenseman Brandon Carlo as part of their strategy to acquire a more impactful player. Mirtle notes that Carlo, a right-shot defenseman, could attract significant interest from other teams, especially given Toronto's need for a puck-moving defenseman to improve their transition play.
Carey Price Trade Speculations
Simultaneously, the Montreal Canadiens are rumored to be in discussions regarding the potential trade of Carey Price's contract. Price, who has not played in years, carries a $10.5 million cap hit, which has become a burden for the Canadiens as they seek to become cap compliant. Reports suggest that the San Jose Sharks may be a likely destination for Price, as they are looking to clear space to sign top prospect Michael Misa. The proposed framework for a trade could involve Price and a draft pick going to San Jose in exchange for prospects Artem Guryev and Gannon Laroque.
Frank Seravalli, an NHL insider, indicated that while the Canadiens are open to trading Price's contract, successfully executing such a deal remains a "long shot." The complexity arises from the need for the acquiring team to provide significant compensation to absorb Price's contract, which is viewed as a financial liability despite the recent payment of a signing bonus.
Criticism and Challenges
Critics argue that the Canadiens' attempts to offload Price's contract highlight the challenges of managing a high-profile player's salary in a rebuilding phase. The notion that a team would willingly take on Price's contract without substantial incentives is considered unrealistic. The Canadiens are in a precarious position, needing to offload an asset that is no longer contributing on the ice, which could require them to part with valuable draft picks or prospects.
Official Statements & Responses
The Canadiens' management, led by General Manager Kent Hughes, has expressed a commitment to improving the team's competitive standing. Hughes is reportedly looking for additional top-six help and is leveraging Price's contract as a potential asset in trade discussions. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs' front office is under pressure to finalize trades before training camp, with Carlo being a key piece in their strategy to enhance their forward group.
What's Next for Both Teams
As the NHL preseason approaches, both the Maple Leafs and Canadiens are under pressure to finalize their rosters. The Maple Leafs aim to secure a scoring winger to complement their star players, while the Canadiens are actively seeking to offload Price's contract to facilitate further roster improvements. The coming weeks will be critical for both franchises as they navigate the complexities of the trade market and prepare for the upcoming season.
