Trade Proposal Has Maple Leafs Landing $58M Star Defenseman in Major Deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active this offseason, with substantial roster changes likely on the horizon.
A recent user-generated trade proposal on PuckPedia’s PuckGM simulator suggests a blockbuster move that would bring Filip Hronek from the Vancouver Canucks to Toronto.
Proposed Trade Details:
To Toronto:
* Filip Hronek
* 2025 Fourth-Round Pick (from Ottawa)
To Vancouver:
* Morgan Rielly
* Nick Robertson
This hypothetical trade would see the Leafs pick up Hronek, a top-tier defenseman heading into the second year of his eight-year, \$58 million contract. A 6-foot, right-shot blueliner, Hronek is considered a reliable second-pair defenseman. Last season, he tallied 5 goals and 28 assists in 61 games.
In exchange, Vancouver would get Morgan Rielly—a homecoming for the British Columbia native. Rielly, who still has five years remaining on his eight-year, \$60 million contract, posted 7 goals and 34 assists in 82 games last season. The deal would give him a fresh start while boosting the Canucks’ offensive output from the back end.
Also included in the trade is Nick Robertson, a restricted free agent who hasn’t had many opportunities in Toronto. With a change of scenery, he could find a role in Vancouver’s middle six. He finished the season with 15 goals and 7 assists in 69 games.
### GM Treliving Reflects on Leafs’ Defensive Structure
Following Toronto’s second-round playoff exit, general manager Brad Treliving expressed a desire to reshape the team’s identity. However, he’s satisfied with the current construction of the defensive unit.
“I like the length and makeup of our defense,” Treliving said. “We still have to skate, and our playing style means we’ll give up some volume, but we also need more offensive production from our defense—not just goals, but more puck movement.”
The Leafs’ current defensive core includes Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Brandon Carlo.
### Trade Rumors Swirl Around Rielly
Despite Rielly’s full no-movement clause and stated preference to remain in Toronto, NHL insider Frank Seravalli of *DailyFaceoff* has identified him as a potential trade piece this summer.
“The Leafs need a puck-moving defenseman who can help them exit the zone more cleanly. Rielly doesn’t quite offer that anymore,” Seravalli wrote. “While he’s contributed in the playoffs, he’s no longer effective on the top power play unit, and his performance showed signs of decline. Toronto should act before that contract becomes a burden.”
Rielly, drafted fifth overall by Toronto in 2012, has spent his entire NHL career with the team.
