A new mock trade between the Seattle Kraken and Toronto Maple Leafs has been put together that would land the Maple Leafs a defenseman and the Kraken another young star.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been trying all summer to upgrade their defensive unit. Additions like Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson have headlined the summer. Now a new mock trade with the Seattle Kraken could land yet another high-profile name.

In an article done by NHL Trade Talk a mock trade has been proposed that would send Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson to the Toronto Maple Leafs. In return, the Seattle Kraken would get forwards Nick Robertson and David Kampf along with a 2025 2nd-round pick.

 
Defenseman Adam Larsson, and the Seattle Kraken get Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and their 2025 second-round pick (Florida’s).
 

The trade would fill needs for both sides and shake up each team significantly heading into the 2024-25 NHL season. The question then becomes which team comes out the winner of this mock trade?

Is Adam Larsson still a top defenseman in the league?

With Adam Larsson being the only piece going to the Maple Leafs, the question really becomes how much value he can provide compared to what is heading out of town.

At his best Adam Larsson is a 20-30 point complimentary defenseman who is good in both ends of the rink. At 31 years old Adam Larsson just signed a 4-year extension with the Kraken. On the ice, he brings experience but should be able to play much of that 4-year deal at a high level.

His 4 million dollar cap hit is one that wouldn’t prohibit the Maple Leafs from moving him if needed in the future. However, Adam Larsson doesn’t necessarily provide any elite qualities so he will just be another solid piece to surround higher-end players like Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

In the case of the Seattle Kraken, they make a move to get younger and add depth to their forward unit. Nick Robertson has been talked about all offseason as a player who wants out of Toronto. Despite being one of the top young forwards for the Maple Leafs Nick Robertson saw just 56 games of NHL action mostly in a depth role where he tallied 27 points.

If the Kraken believe he can be an impact forward in the NHL, Adam Larsson is a piece they should be willing to give up. Adding David Kampf adds another versatile forward to their unit that can play up and down the lineup.

The biggest roadblock in this trade being completed would likely be the Seattle Kraken’s lack of high-end defensemen on their roster. If the Kraken are wanting to compete this year they will need someone who can eat up minutes in return for Adam Larsson. As a result, this trade might be one that completes closer to the trade deadline if the Kraken are out of the playoff race.

As the season gets underway it will be fun to see if these trade rumors begin to turn into realistic trade talks between the two sides.