NHL Rumours: Toronto Maple Leafs, Sam Bennett, and Jake Virtanen
We have updates on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sam Bennett, Jake Virtanen in today’s look at NHL rumours…
The Maple Leafs are seeking a forward
Elliotte Friedman mentioned on 31 Thoughts Podcast that he believed Maple Leafs are interested in adding a winger but didn’t specify who that player might be.
@Wayne Simmonds, who has been a driving force on the team’s power-play, suffered a broken wrist and will miss at least six weeks of action. He joins @Joe Thornton and @Nick Robertson as top-nine forwards that the Leafs currently have on the Injured Reserve.
Losing Simmonds for an extended period of time is a difficult pill for the Leafs to swallow. He has five goals through 12 games and provides the team with a much-needed physical presence, both at even-strength and in front of the net on the power-play.
Again, Friedman didn’t give any hints as to who the Leafs’ Mystery Forward might be, but we can assume it’s somebody who provides physical play and can score.
Could Sam Bennett be the guy?
Luke Fox of Sportsnet speculated that @Sam Bennett could be the solution to the Leafs’ need up front. He also reported that Kyle Dubas has expressed “some interest” in Bennett.
From the point of view of Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, who has reportedly expressed some level of interest, Bennett fits the profile of an attractive target: Local guy. Top-five pick with something to prove. Significantly elevates performance in the post-season (from 0.35 to 0.63 points per game). Hard to play against. No cross-border quarantine. Not a pure rental (Bennett will turn RFA in the off-season). Versatile enough to be tried at left wing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander or centre a checking third line.
Bennett, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2014 draft, has requested a trade from the Calgary Flames. He has just one goal and one assist through 10 games with the Flames this season and is reportedly unhappy with his role on the team.
According to Eric Francis, Bennett has been bumped up to the Flames’ top line, alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Excelling in such a role could result in Bennett rescinding his trade request or it could ultimately boost his trade value around the league.
@Jake Virtanen is on the block
Sticking with Canadian teams, the Vancouver Canucks have placed forward Jake Virtanen on the trade block, according to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre.
With the team struggling to a 6-10-0 record so far, general manager Jim Benning is apparently looking to shake things up.
As Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa, the former Canuck, said: “You don’t necessarily need to fight, but you do have to show a little compete and be a little pissed off when you lose. It’s just that competitive nature where you don’t go down easy. Just don’t give up.”
Bieksa said the biggest indictment of the Canucks is that “they’re fun to play against.”
No wonder Benning is trying to do something to awaken his team.
After what appeared to be a breakout season in 2019-20 with 18 goals and 36 points, Virtanen has just one goal through his first 12 games this season. Moving the former No. 6 overall pick for a worthwhile return will be a challenge for Benning given Virtanen’s poor play and the desperate situation the Canucks are currently facing.