Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving implied that he isn’t quite done with exploring the trade market and will continue to shop veterans if he deems it necessary.

After a flurry of signings to open the off-season in early July, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that the Leafs were still looking to make some additions via the trade market, which is also something Treliving admitted to after naming Auston Matthews captain. Ever since, rumours have swirled around the likes of David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, two bottom-six, utility forwards that have a combined cap hit of $4.5M.

Last year, Fraser Minten forced Treliving to trade Sam Lafferty to the Vancouver Canucks to open a roster spot for him.

In speaking with the media today, Treliving revealed that this training camp is no different, inferring that he will make a trade if a young player forces him to.
“We will make room for young players if young players can help us win.”
 

The Lafferty trade was seen as more of a debacle than a success given that Minten skated in just four games before being returned to the WHL. If Treliving goes that route again, I truly do hope he’s sure that whichever young player earns the roster spot, will be able to give them more than the four games Minten got.

As on-ice sessions get underway tomorrow, it will be interesting to see how Craig Berube shuffles his lines and groups as camp progresses. Will we see some veterans moved out to make room for younger players again this season? Time will tell.