NHL Rumors: Top insider names Maple Leafs and Hurricanes among the teams eyeing $13,000,000 Sharks defenseman

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jun 11, 2024 21:31 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to add one of the San Jose Sharks’ best defensemen. The player in question is D-man Mario Ferraro, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported on Tuesday.

The Sharks are not willing to part with the former second-round pick. But if the right deal comes along, Sharks general manager Mike Grier will consider pulling the trigger. Ferraro signed a four-year deal worth $13,000,000 in 2022, per CapFriendly.

Pagnotta added that Ferraro has drawn interest from multiple teams beyond the Maple Leafs. The Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks have all shown interest in Ferraro, according to Pagnotta.

Ferraro played 78 games this past season, registering three goals and 18 assists. He’s under contract for two more years at $3.25 million per season and will be eligible to become a UFA in the summer of 2026.

It is unsure what sort of return the Sharks would like for Ferraro. Pagnotta reported that a first-round pick, a prospect and a roster player are believed to be part of the asking price. Given the Sharks’ lack of desire to move Ferraro, the Maple Leafs would need to pay a premium to get him.

Pagnotta reported that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving had shown interest in Ferraro this past season. However, a deal did not materialize. So, he may revisit trading for Ferraro this offseason. If so, Treliving may have to compete with other interested clubs to land the Sharks blue liner.

Maple Leafs interested in former first-round pick

David Pagnotta noted that the Leafs are also reportedly interested in Sharks forward Luke Kunin. The 26-year-old is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. As such, the Maple Leafs would be trading for his negotiating rights.

Kunin was originally a first-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2016. He played for three seasons in Minnesota before moving on to Nashville and San Jose. Pagnotta claims that if the Sharks can’t sign Kunin, they’ll be inclined to trade his rights instead of getting into a messy contract dispute.

Last season, Kunin played 77 games, notching 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. The Missouri native plays center, though he could slide on the wing if needed. He could project as a solid bottom-six forward, similar to Connor Dewar.

The Leafs will be looking to fill out their roster with cost-effective options, considering the club still has one more year of its Core Four eating roughly half of the team’s payroll. It is unclear what the asking price is for Kunin’s rights. Perhaps a late-round pick might get the job done.