Jeff Marek reveals star defenseman Maple Leafs are currently targeting in blockbuster trade
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Jeff Marek says Maple Leafs GM John Chayka should explore a trade for Predators captain Roman Josi as Nashville weighs a possible rebuild.
Jeff Marek thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs should at least pick up the phone on Roman Josi, and they likely have already.
The Nashville Predators captain has landed on Toronto's radar as general manager John Chayka looks to reshape a blue line that still has plenty of questions.
Marek raised it on Daily Faceoff Toronto, pointing to the uncertainty in Nashville under new GM Chris McFarland.
Nobody knows how deep a rebuild might go, so he questioned whether Josi wants to stick around through it or would prefer a spot where he can contend right away.
Why Josi fits Toronto
Chayka has not been shy since taking over from Brad Treliving.
He moved on from coach Craig Berube and sent Brandon Carlo to St. Louis, which opened a gap on the back end that Toronto still needs to fill.
Josi is a former Norris Trophy winner who still drives offense from the back end, and that is the kind of presence the Leafs have been chasing.
Toronto has also been tied to Simon Edvinsson and Erik Karlsson, but nothing has come together yet.
Paul Bissonnette sees it as a legitimate possibility too, and he expects the Leafs to stay active on the trade market.
"I think there's a real possibility he goes there. They are going to continue to make moves."
The Spittin' Chiclets crew pointed out that Josi and Auston Matthews share an agent, which adds a little extra fuel to the speculation.
What could complicate a deal
Josi carries a $9.05 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, and his no-move clause means he would have to approve any destination.
At 36, he comes with age risk, so Toronto would have to be careful about what it gives up.
This is still rumor territory. But Chayka has shown he is willing to swing big, and Josi is a name worth tracking in both Nashville and Toronto as the season moves along.
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