Toronto, May 29, 2025 — As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for a potentially transformative offseason, one intriguing trade proposal has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. According to PuckPedia’s PuckGM simulator, a fan-generated trade would see the Maple Leafs acquire veteran winger Jaden Schwartz from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, and a pair of draft picks.
Under the proposed deal, the Kraken would retain $2 million of Schwartz’s salary, leaving Toronto on the hook for just $3.5 million in the final year of his five-year, $27.5 million contract. It’s a savvy financial move for a Leafs team that remains up against the cap while seeking to inject more grit and playoff acumen into its bottom-six.
In return, Toronto would ship out forward Calle Jarnkrok, young winger Nick Robertson, Florida’s 2025 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder. While steep, the return reflects Schwartz’s value as a proven postseason performer and consistent two-way presence.
Schwartz, 31, is coming off a productive campaign with Seattle, tallying 26 goals and 23 assists for 49 points in 81 games. A key member of the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup run, Schwartz brings exactly the kind of battle-tested playoff mentality the Leafs have been sorely lacking in recent years.
“We need a DNA change,” GM Brad Treliving told reporters earlier this month. “Players who are willing to fight for every inch — who elevate when the games matter most. That’s our focus.”
Adding Schwartz would certainly fit that directive. He’s built a reputation as a reliable middle-six forward who plays with heart, forechecks aggressively, and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas — a style Toronto fans have long clamored for.
Meanwhile, the players heading to Seattle offer the Kraken intriguing assets for both the present and the future. Jarnkrok, a versatile forward in the final year of his four-year, $8.4 million contract, could slot in as a third-liner or be flipped at the deadline. He posted 7 points in 19 injury-riddled games last season and has long been seen as a trade candidate.
Robertson, an RFA, has expressed frustration over limited playing time in Toronto and is expected to be dealt. Still just 23, the former top prospect offers upside and could benefit from a fresh start in Seattle.
The inclusion of a second- and third-round pick sweetens the deal and helps Seattle continue building long-term, while Toronto gains an experienced winner in Schwartz without giving up any core pieces.
Additionally, the trade could serve as a prelude to a broader roster overhaul. Jarnkrok and David Kampf have been floated as potential buyout candidates, as per insider David Pagnotta, and the Leafs could use the cap savings to make further upgrades.
“Toronto may free up even more space if they move, or buy out, Kampf and/or Jarnkrok,” Pagnotta reported, noting the Leafs’ projected $26.8 million in cap space for 2025-26.
While just a proposal for now, the Schwartz trade represents the type of bold, targeted move that could reshape the Leafs’ playoff fortunes — and finally give them the grit and leadership they’ve so sorely missed.
