If required, a Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs salary cap-centered trade makes sense for both teams

Ever the competitive squad, Toronto finds itself in a bit of a cap crunch against the cap ceiling, while Columbus may need to reach the cap floor. Let's discuss a few trade candidates that might make sense for both sides.

Dec 29, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) fight during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit (2) fight during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images | Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
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Conor Timmins

Conor Timmin
Mar 30, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins (25) makes a pass during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Let's put it simply: Conor Timmins, unfortunately, cannot stay healthy. Despite him now entering what would technically be his seventh season in the NHL, Timmins has only played in 91 games at this level. His career high in games played in a single season was in '20-'21 with Colorado, when he played in a grand total of 31.

In his past two campaigns donning the Maple Leaf, Timmins played in just 25 games each season. Despite him being an RFA this upcoming offseason, Toronto may look to move his $1.1m AAV deal to become cap-compliant.

If he could stay healthy, and assuming a future situation where the Jackets wish to give David Jiricek more time to develop at the AHL level, Conor Timmins would be an excellent short-term replacement. Even if Timmins were to go down to a season-ending injury again, his contract on the IR would be enough (after call-ups) to keep the Jackets compliant through the end of the '24-'25 season.

The return wouldn't be all that much, given Timmins' low AAV and expiring contract at the end of the season. Still, in this scenario, Don Waddell likely wouldn't mind acquiring another low-end pick for next-to-no cost and more time for one of his top defensive prospects to simmer in the best developmental league in the world.

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