As the traditional Greek thinker Aristotle wrote in his “Physics,” nature abhors a vacuum. He used this idea to elucidate that nature resists empty house—a vacuum. He believed {that a} vacuum couldn’t naturally happen as a result of the encompassing matter would shortly transfer to fill any house. Little did he know then that he may need been speaking about offseason Toronto Maple Leafs rumors.
On this version of Maple Leafs Information & Rumors, I’ll focus on three attention-grabbing matters (two rumors) floating round these days as a result of (maybe) nothing appears to be taking place to report on. First, is there a risk that the Maple Leafs is perhaps serious about signing a veteran depth defenseman? Gustav Lindstrom has hit the current rumor mill this week. Might he step in to assist on the proper facet, particularly with Jani Hakanpää wanting as if he’s unable to play?
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Second, there isn’t a rumor right here—just a few excellent news. Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph will likely be again to name the video games on the radio. Their distinct fashion and entertaining commentary make listening to the sport enjoyable. Final, I’ll share one other wild and curious rumor a few potential commerce that means the opportunity of bringing again Nazem Kadri because the group’s third-line heart. Whereas it appears solidly unlikely, a part of the hypothesis touches on one thing logical.
Merchandise 1: Is Lindstrom Rising as Potential Resolution Amid Hakanpää Uncertainty?
Amid uncertainty surrounding Hakanpää’s well being, there are rumors that the Maple Leafs may flip their consideration to Lindstrom as a possible substitute. Lindstrom, a right-shot, 25-year-old defenseman who stands at 6-foot-2 and 194 kilos, is at present unsigned. Might he be picked up as a viable choice to fill the hole left by Hakanpää?
Contemplating his affordability (his final contract was $950,000) and talent to contribute bodily and offensively, Lindstrom might supply a dependable choice on the Maple Leafs’ blue line. Whereas he may lack the expertise of Hakanpää, his potential affect in the course of the common season might show helpful, particularly given the group’s historical past of harm considerations in the course of the darkish days of winter.
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Nevertheless, questions stay about Lindstrom’s play in high-pressure playoff conditions. Though he’s had current stints with the Detroit Crimson Wings, the Montreal Canadiens, and final season with the Anaheim Geese, he’s largely unproven. That stated, one curious statistical line from final season with the lowly Geese is that, in his 32 video games, he had a plus-12 ranking. Given the Geese’ poor document, that’s notable.
Might the Maple Leafs view Lindstrom as a precious addition? They did properly and have been stunned by the sudden and optimistic addition of former Duck Simon Benoit final season.
Merchandise 2: Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph Return because the Radio Voices of the Maple Leafs
From my perspective, that is nice information for Maple Leafs followers. Bowen and Ralph will likely be again because the radio voices of the Maple Leafs for the 2024-25 season. The 73-year-old play-by-play commentator, who has been calling Maple Leafs video games since 1982, confirmed Friday morning that he was “Not going wherever!!! Ralphie and I are again in October!!”
Bowen and Ralph have been a dynamic duo since 2014, when Bowen transitioned from tv to radio. A former skilled hockey participant (a goalie), Ralph turned to broadcasting after a knee harm ended his enjoying profession. Collectively, they bring about the thrill of Maple Leafs hockey to life on the radio, masking each the common season and the playoffs. Bell and Rogers cut up the 82-game common season radio schedule evenly.
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Though Bowen and Ralph didn’t journey with the Maple Leafs in the course of the common season, they joined the group on the street for the primary spherical of the Stanley Cup postseason towards the Boston Bruins. They traveled solely when Toronto reached the second spherical towards the Florida Panthers in 2023. Bowen and Ralph’s return ensures that followers will proceed to take pleasure in their enthusiastic and educated commentary in the course of the season.
Merchandise 3: Might the Maple Leafs Be Eyeing a Commerce to Re-Purchase Nazem Kadri?
Take this for what it’s: a goofy rumor. There’s been some chatter that the Maple Leafs ought to make a commerce to carry again Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames. Kadri has three years left on his $49 million contract and is rumored to be on the buying and selling block as Calgary enters a rebuild.
A proposed commerce would see the Maple Leafs obtain Kadri (with $3.5 million of his wage retained), a 2025 fifth-round decide, and a 2026 sixth-round decide. In return, the Flames would get David Kämpf, Nick Robertson, Ryan Reaves, and a 2025 second-round decide.
In fact, on condition that Kadri has a no-movement clause, he must waive it in the proper scenario. There are two flies within the ointment with that risk. First, from what I hear, Kadri has a strong relationship with Calgary and the Flames followers. That’s odd, on condition that he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause to go to Calgary whereas nonetheless with the Maple Leafs.
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Second, do the Flames see the 33-year-old as a bit they’d wish to transfer? Kadri performed properly final season, recording 75 factors in 82 video games. Third, Kadri performed ten seasons with the Maple Leafs earlier than being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. That commerce turned out properly for him, as his new group gained the Stanley Cup. It is perhaps a troublesome promote getting him to return to Toronto, however who is aware of? 5 years in the past, he was determined to remain.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
I’d wish to return for a second to Bowen and Ralph’s radio broadcast. For individuals who haven’t had the prospect to hearken to them and sometimes watch the video games on tv, I extremely encourage you to offer them a pay attention. Experiencing the sport by their commentary on the radio gives a novel and pleasant perspective. They bring about a particular joie de vivre to the sport with their playful banter and real enjoyment of one another’s firm.
Regardless of being passionate Maple Leafs followers, Bowen and Ralph aren’t afraid to supply vital insights when vital. I like to recommend turning off the TV a few times in the course of the season and tuning in to the radio broadcast. It’s a refreshing change and a very pleasant expertise. They’re masters of their craft, making the sport enjoyable in a approach that’s distinctly their very own.
