Erik Karlsson sticker price shock, the future of the Leafs goal, and more: Weekend Leaflets

Erik Karlsson sticker price shock, the future of the Leafs goal, and more: Weekend Leaflets

It’s a new year and a new me. Part of that means changing up when I post Leaflets. Rather than having them starting your work week, they will now kick off you weekend. Instead of me ruining you Monday with my horrible takes, you’ll start your weekend with coffee spit take. You’re welcome.
The Erik Karlsson trade ask is ridiculous
I’m sure if hop in the way back machine we’ll remember a time when there was some entertaining of the idea of Erik Karlsson being someone the Leafs should acquire. Remember that point when missing Muzzin seemed like a big deal and the blueline was so overwhelmed by injuries that Victor Mete was playing with Mac Hollowell?
Anyway, at that time there seemed to be some interest in Karlsson if the ask was low enough and the Sharks would eat half his salary. Karlsson was playing pretty good at that time too, but was being actively shopped.
Now, I don’t doubt he’s still being actively shopped (why do the Sharks need him?), he’s still playing some of his best hockey, but the asking price on his is far steeper than anyone expected.
Via Frank Seravalli at Daily Faceoff:
This week, the San Jose Sharks reportedly asked for three first-round picks in exchange for Karlsson, with the Sharks willing to retain 18 percent of his contract. That would knock Karlsson down to a roughly $9.4 million salary cap hit.
That shoul …

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Author: Jon Steitzer / The Leafs Nation

How can Mitch Marner take yet another step forward for the Leafs?

Mitchell Marner has been a key part of the Toronto Maple Leafs ever since he first burst onto the scene in 2016-17, as part of that core group of rookies that helped the Leafs in their surprising push to the playoffs. Ever since that magical first season, Marner has only gotten better. There have been ups and downs for the star winger, from a controversial contract, to struggles in the playoffs, but he has undoubtedly been a key cog in the Leafs’ regular season success, and he will need to continue to do so if the Leafs wish to remain competitive.
But can Marner find yet another level in the 2022-23 season? He’s been nothing short of dominant alongside Auston Matthews the past few seasons, and despite the first-round loss, the two of them finally seemed to have it all together in the playoffs this season. Remember this?

“Marner to Matthews scORESSSSS! YES! YES! YES!”
Felt that call in my SOUL!pic.twitter.com/uQ3GiP9cKE
— Kwnhausen (@KwnStorm) May 11, 2022

That might have been the best Leafs fans have felt during the playoffs since 2004, and Marner will be on a mission to try and improve on it even further this season, with the burden of trying to bring the Leafs past the first round for the first time in what will be 19 years when April 2023 rolls around. That burden has seemed to weigh heavily on Marner in the past, especially after the raised expectations that came with the $10.9 million contract he signed in the summer of 2019. People noted that he seemed to try to do too much, especially in the playoffs, trying to be a hero …

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Author: Jaden Ho / The Leafs Nation

Colin Blackwell inks a two-year deal with Chicago

Part of the blockbuster deal that saw the Leafs net Mark Giordano will be heading out west to the Windy City.

The Blackhawks have signed forward Colin Blackwell, per a source. He played for the Kraken and Leafs last season.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 13, 2022

Elliotte Friedman reported that Colin Blackwell would be getting a two-year deal at a $1.2 million AAV.
Blackwell split this past season with the Kraken and Leafs where he posted a combined 10 goals, 10 assists, and 20 points in 58 games played while adding two points (a goal and an assist) in seven playoff games.
He showcased his versatility upon his arrival on the eve of the trade deadline as he did well everywhere he was placed in the lineup. While the offence did not really follow suit, the Leafs were a better team with Blackwell in the lineup. The Leafs do doubt would have loved to keep Blackwell if it was possible, but it became apparent that the ship had sailed with the additions of Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Adam Gaudette.
By going to Chicago, he is getting a chance to bet on himself by putting up impressive numbers on a team that is trying to tank for the first overall pick. Who knows, perhaps he is a player the Leafs may circle back to in a future trade deadline because his cap hit is super reasonable.
Stats from Hockey-Reference.com and Natural Stat Trick.

Salary information from PuckPedia.com.
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