NHL Trade Rumors: Maple Leafs, Red Wings Eye Panthers’ $12M “Cap Casualty” Forward
With the Florida Panthers facing serious salary cap constraints following their Stanley Cup run, trade rumors are heating up around one of their high-priced forwards. According to multiple reports, both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings are keeping close tabs on the situation, hoping to land a proven scorer potentially available as a “cap casualty.”
The player in question carries a $12 million cap hit—making him one of the most expensive contracts on Florida’s books. Though not officially on the trade block, league insiders suggest the Panthers may have little choice but to offload the deal if they hope to retain key free agents and maintain roster flexibility heading into the 2025 season.
For the Maple Leafs, acquiring such a forward would bolster their top six and provide added firepower around stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. General Manager Brad Treliving has made it clear he’s open to bold moves as Toronto looks to finally break through in the playoffs. A big-name addition could be the spark they need.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings—who have steadily improved under GM Steve Yzerman—are also in a position to absorb a large contract. With cap space to spare and a need for veteran leadership and scoring consistency, Detroit could be an ideal landing spot. Adding a battle-tested forward with playoff experience would fit their strategy of blending youth with experience.
Ultimately, Florida’s front office is weighing short-term sacrifice against long-term competitiveness. Whether a deal materializes remains to be seen, but with both the Leafs and Wings lurking, one of the league’s top earners may soon find himself on the move. NHL fans should stay tuned as this situation develops ahead of train
ing camp.
