Time to Trade Clarke MacArthur?
Posted 7:22 PM ET | Comments 0
After missing the playoffs yet again, it is time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to start focusing on the offseason tasks. Leaf Nation should be expecting an active summer. However, I would like to focus on one task. That task is the situation concerning Clarke MacArthur.
Clarke MacArthur is one of many Restricted Free Agents that Toronto will have to deal with this offseason. At this time, I truly believe that it is the right idea to pursue a trade for Clarke MacArthur. Clarke was a blessing this season, having career highs in all major offensive categories. (Goals, Assists, Points). He flourished with line mates Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. However, it is only Clarke’s first breakout season, and his value is as high as it has ever been. Clarke is a well rounded, second line complementary player. He is not considered a first line player by any means necessary, and would only be considered a second line player after this year’s breakout.
Brian Burke has stated that he is looking to build a Stanley Cup winner, and not just a playoff team. That explains it all, is Clarke MacArthur a good second line player on a cup contender? I don’t believe he is.
The Toronto Maple Leafs consist of too many second line calibre, and second line potential players. Those guys being Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, and even one could consider Hobey Baker finalist Matt Frattin. There is no question that expectations on Nazem Kadri will be raised, and that management along with Leaf fans will assume he takes a top six role.
With the glaring need for a number one center, and the possibility of moving up in the draft, Clarke MacArthur should be a very expendable piece. Second line players can be picked up through free agency, and trade much easy than first line calibre players. Brian Burke is risk taker, and if it means packaging to move up in the draft, or a package for that coveted first line center, I believe it would be a smart risk to take.
Clarke MacArthur is one of many Restricted Free Agents that Toronto will have to deal with this offseason. At this time, I truly believe that it is the right idea to pursue a trade for Clarke MacArthur. Clarke was a blessing this season, having career highs in all major offensive categories. (Goals, Assists, Points). He flourished with line mates Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. However, it is only Clarke’s first breakout season, and his value is as high as it has ever been. Clarke is a well rounded, second line complementary player. He is not considered a first line player by any means necessary, and would only be considered a second line player after this year’s breakout.
Brian Burke has stated that he is looking to build a Stanley Cup winner, and not just a playoff team. That explains it all, is Clarke MacArthur a good second line player on a cup contender? I don’t believe he is.
The Toronto Maple Leafs consist of too many second line calibre, and second line potential players. Those guys being Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, and even one could consider Hobey Baker finalist Matt Frattin. There is no question that expectations on Nazem Kadri will be raised, and that management along with Leaf fans will assume he takes a top six role.
With the glaring need for a number one center, and the possibility of moving up in the draft, Clarke MacArthur should be a very expendable piece. Second line players can be picked up through free agency, and trade much easy than first line calibre players. Brian Burke is risk taker, and if it means packaging to move up in the draft, or a package for that coveted first line center, I believe it would be a smart risk to take.