‘Built For The Pressure of Goaltending in Toronto’ — Maple Leafs Urged To Trade For $37,500,000 Goalie

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a pivotal offseason, and all eyes are on the crease. After missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, new general manager John Chayka has wasted little time shaking things up, already moving Joseph Woll in a surprising trade to Philadelphia.

Now, with Anthony Stolarz, Samuel Ersson, and Dennis Hildeby in the mix, Toronto continues its search for a true No. 1 netminder who can help lead the franchise back into contention. Amid that search, one NHL insider is urging the Leafs to pursue a goaltender carrying a $37.5 million contract.

$37.5M Goalie Linked to Maple Leafs

Vegas goaltender Adin Hill has emerged as a potential trade candidate for Toronto. The 30-year-old is entering the second season of a six-year, $37.5 million contract and finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to the Golden Knights organization.

Hill’s role in Vegas became less certain late last season when Carter Hart took over the starting duties during the playoff run. Given Vegas’ aggressive approach to roster management, carrying a $6.25 million goaltender in a reduced role may not be ideal.

NHL insider Jesse Granger recently identified Toronto as a logical landing spot for Hill.

Granger noted that while Hill endured an injury-filled and inconsistent 2025-26 campaign, he was only one season removed from setting career highs with 50 starts and 32 wins. More importantly, Hill has built an impressive playoff résumé, posting a .917 save percentage and helping Vegas capture the Stanley Cup in 2023.

According to Granger: “Hill would pair well with Anthony Stolarz, who is under contract for the next four seasons at a modest $3.75 million cap hit. Both are big, athletic goalies with an edge to their game. Plus, Hill’s personality is built for the pressure of goaltending in Toronto.”

From Toronto’s perspective, Hill could offer a more realistic alternative to blockbuster targets such as Connor Hellebuyck.

Because Vegas may be motivated to move Hill’s full cap hit, the acquisition cost would be significantly lower than what it would take to land one of the league’s elite franchise goaltenders. A deal might involve draft picks and secondary assets rather than a cornerstone young player.

The one complication is Hill’s modified no-trade clause, which allows him to block a trade to 10 teams. If Toronto becomes serious about pursuing him, Chayka would need to convince Hill that joining a roster led by Auston Matthews gives him another legitimate opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.

ALSO READ: ‘I Don’t Think That’s Gonna Be Happening’: Maple Leafs Not Moving For Auston Matthews’ Nemesis, per Insider

For a Leafs team looking to stabilize its crease without sacrificing its future, Hill could be one of the most intriguing options available this summer.

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