Shawn Sinclair is reporting this morning that the Maple Leafs and Predators are in advanced trade talks built around Roman Josi.
According to the report, the two teams have connected over the past two weeks as both try to reshape their defense groups. Toronto GM John Chayka wants to go all in this season and next.
The Leafs need something to happen. They sit 8-7-2 and 15th in the NHL after a 2-3 loss to Utah on Tuesday night. Nashville is 6-4-5 and plays at Colorado tonight.
Josi is the target. The Predators captain is 36 and has 17 points in 15 games, nine of them power-play assists, so he is still producing.
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | |
| 2026-27 | 15 | 2 | 15 | 17 | +4 |
| Career | 1045 | 205 | 591 | 796 | +48 |
The report says Nashville would get Toronto's 2027 first-round pick, originally Colorado's, plus defensive prospects Ben Danford and Alexander Bilecki. Danford went 31st overall in 2024 and Bilecki 60th this past June.
Easton Cowan's new spot on Matthews' wing is not part of the discussion. Sinclair says not to expect Cowan involved, which keeps a 21-year-old with 14 points in 17 games in Toronto.
Why Josi would have to say yes
Josi earns $9 million a year and owns a full no-movement clause. Nothing happens unless he agrees to leave Nashville.
The money is the other hurdle. The report describes the Leafs as being in cap hell, and it runs into next season too.
On the Nashville side, the report says the Predators have discussed the future with all of their veterans, and tough conversations could be coming. Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly could be moved as well. Stamkos has 16 points in 15 games, O'Reilly has 15.
Here's my read: that is a steep price for a 36-year-old with a no-movement clause, from a team that is sixth in the Atlantic. A first-round pick and two defense prospects is real capital.
Chayka is also working with a clock. He is trying to keep Auston Matthews' comments on being a Maple Leaf from becoming a farewell tour, and Matthews is a UFA at the end of 2027-28.
Toronto hosts Montreal on Saturday. Josi has not said whether he would waive that clause.
Should the Maple Leafs give up a first-round pick and two top defense prospects for a 36-year-old Roman Josi?
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