Maple Leafs' reported message to JvR suitors: 'If you're serious, ante up'

It seems as if the Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to trade forward James van Riemsdyk. At the right price, of course.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman writes in his "30 Thoughts" column:

A year ago, teams asked about James van Riemsdyk and were told he was not available. Now they're being told, "If you're serious, ante up." What it comes down to is this: van Riemsdyk is an unrestricted free agent after next season, and can be extended July 1. At some point, the Maple Leafs will decide if they are going to meet his price.

Van Riemsdyk's under contract at $4.25 million against the cap through 2017-18. He'll be 28 in May, and is having another solid season, with 12 goals and 22 points in 31 games. And now that Toronto boasts more offense thanks to rookies Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, his ice time is down from 17:46 a game last season to 16:01.

As Friedman notes, Van Riemsdyk is one of the better goal-scorers in the NHL, and will be paid handsomely, by Toronto or another team. The Maple Leafs' weakness is on its blue line, hence the change in approach from last year, when Toronto wasn't interested in discussing JvR with other teams.

Van Riemsdyk has a modified no-trade clause, according to Cap Friendly, and can submit a list of 10 teams he won't accept a trade to.

Acquired in exchange for Luke Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers in a very one-sided trade, Van Riemsdyk has 101 goals and 200 points in 281 games with the Maple Leafs.