Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Speculation: Acquiring Bobby Ryan Possible?

Like a lot of trade speculation, the idea of the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring Bobby Ryan from the Anaheim Ducks, regardless of the proposed return, is a bit far-fetched.

But that's what makes speculation fun, isn't it? It's the possibilities, the discussion and the excitement that's generated that people love about trade speculation.

Love it or hate it, it gets people talking.

The Ducks are in need of a shake-up, whether it's in the roster or the higher-ups.

They've only won a single game so far this month, and they went 1-4-1 to close out October.

In the standings, they're one measly point ahead of the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets.

The easy option might be to fire head coach Randy Carlyle, but that would seem like a knee-jerk reaction, especially so soon after Carlyle signed a three-year contract extension.

During Carlyle's tenure as head coach of the Ducks, they've gone 266-169-57 (according to FoxNews.com) and won the Stanley Cup in 2007.

Some would argue that trading anyone from the Ducks' beloved RPG line would also be a knee-jerk reaction, but I don't think it can be argued that the Ducks will need to make a trade relatively soon anyway given their lack of offensive depth.

Once Teemu Selanne retires, there won't be anyone outside of their top line who can be relied upon for 20-plus goals a season.

One way to look at a potential Bobby Ryan trade would be to see it as killing two birds with one stone: you'd be shaking up the roster to hopefully set some butts on fire, and you'd also be strengthening the team down the road.

According to speculation from Hockey Break: "The asking price for Ryan starts with two young, top-six forwards."

Here is my proposed trade idea:

to TOR: Bobby Ryan, Cond. ANA 2nd 2012

to ANA: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, TOR 1st 2012, Cond. TOR 2nd 2012

Going to Toronto in my idea is a star winger who has scored 30-plus goals in a season with the potential for scoring 40-plus.

Going to Anaheim are two legitimate top-six forwards and a projected mid-first-round draft pick in 2012.

If Grabovski re-signs in Anaheim, Toronto gets Anaheim's second rounder. If he doesn't, Toronto sends their second rounder over to Anaheim.

The Ducks' top six would look something like this:

"

Kulemin - Getzlaf - Perry

Cogliano - Grabovski - Selanne

"

Nikolai Kulemin may not be a legitimate top-line winger, and he is certainly not a star like Bobby Ryan, but he could fill in admirably on the top line while the Ducks work on a more permanent solution.

Kulemin, like the members of the RPG line, is struggling to score right now. He did, however, score 30 goals last year, so the potential to score is there.

Outside of the RPG line, the Ducks don't have too many assets to trade away for offensive talent unless you count their picks or young defensemen like Cam Fowler (untouchable) and Luca Sbisa (probably untouchable).

In addition to getting two legitimate top-six forwards, that's including the No. 2 centre they've been desperate to get, they're also getting a first rounder to keep or to flip.

With Selanne possibly retiring after this season is done, Emerson Etem might be able to fill in for him on the second line next year.

If not, Anaheim could consider packaging one of their first rounders for a top-six winger.

I'm curious to hear what people have to say about this trade from Anaheim's perspective.

Toronto's top six would look something like this:

"

Lupul - Bozak - Kessel

MacArthur - Connolly - Ryan

"

From Toronto's perspective, the Leafs would be giving up two players they'd very much love to hold onto in Grabovski and Kulemin.

They'd also be giving up a first-rounder, but given that their prospect pool is pretty deep, its loss won't be felt too much.

The idea of Tyler Bozak playing on the top line is suddenly palatable, given his much-improved play and the chemistry he has Lupul and Kessel.

As an aside, the title of "top line" could easily switch to Connolly's line and nobody would notice much of a difference.

In terms of annual point production, the Leafs are giving up roughly 110-120 points and are getting about 70-80 back.

Back to reality for a second.

A problem that Toronto will have once Grabovski returns from his injury is what to do with Tyler Bozak. His play has been much better as of late and looks great playing with Kessel. Based on how he's been playing, it would be a crime to push him down to the third line.

By trading Grabovski, Bozak would be allowed to stay on a line with Kessel and Lupul while Joe Colborne would be able to stay with the big club.

The Leafs' top six would still be as dangerous, if not more so, despite losing two prized top-six forwards.

The Ducks' top six would produce more offense despite losing the "R" from the elite RPG line. Assuming Grabovski re-signs with them over the summer, their top six would also be more well-rounded (as opposed to top-heavy).

Is this trade lopsided for one team, or are both teams getting a relatively fair deal? Are the right pieces even in play?

Keeping in mind most trade speculation is crazy talk anyway, what are your thoughts?