The Maple Leafs And Avs End Canada Day With A Monster Trade
The Colorado Avalanche have traded stud defenseman Tyson Barrie, Alex Kerfoot and a 2020 6th round pick to Toronto in exchange for Nazem Kadri, Calle Rosen and a 2020 3rd round pick. A monster trade for both teams, who both address big needs to their rosters.
It seemed when the Colorado Avalanche drafted Bowen Byran 4th overall in last week’s NHL draft, that Tyson Barrie’s time in Colorado was coming to an end. Barrie is entering the final season of a 4-year, $22m deal signed in 2016. This gives the Leafs a chance to add a top-pairing defenseman, who will likely be a rental. There is no way the Leafs will be able to afford Barrie with also having to sign Mitch Marner. Colorado also retains 50% of Barrie’s contract.
I think Alex Kerfoot is the name to keep an eye on in this trade. In two seasons in the NHL, Kerfoot has put up 43 points (19g, 24a) in 2017-18 and 42 points (15g, 27a) in 2018-19. So the kid is good for 40 points per season which gives the Leafs some bottom six depth.
So the Toronto Maple Leafs are a significantly better hockey team after this trade. The Avalanche? I don’t think you can say the same. They get some much-needed forward depth, adding Nazem Kadri and got a return on a player they were eventually going to lose in free agency, so that’s certainly a win. I do think the Avs could of gotten more of a return for Barrie but I guess that hinges on the fact Barrie will definitely be a rental for Toronto.
How about Kadri too? Last game in a Leafs uni was him getting suspended for his hit on Jake DeBrusk. What a way to go.
Regardless, a great way to end Canada day with the monster trade. And how about Biz being with Barrie when he got the call he was traded? Perfect timing.