Does Sean Avery know something?
That’s what the hockey world is wondering tonight after the controversial former NHL player posted “breaking news” to his personal Instagram account Tuesday evening.
According to Avery, the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded centre Nazem Kadri to the Winnipeg Jets for defenceman Jacob Trouba.
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“Alright Leafs Nation,” Avery said via Instagram story. “Breaking news. Per my sources in Toronto, Nazem Kadri has been traded for Jacob Trouba. That is confirmed. I’m telling you first, per my sources in Toronto.
“Go Blues.”
I have no idea if he is legit or not (I’m gonna go with probably not), but Sean Avery says that Nazem Kadri has been traded for Jacob Trouba. pic.twitter.com/EXXugh8vAl
— 51Leafs (@51Leafs) June 5, 2019
Because of Avery’s reputation – not to mention the fact that he mispronounced both Kadri and Trouba’s names – fans are unsure about the authenticity of his claim. There’s also the fact that he dropped a “Go Blues” in there, which perhaps is an indication that he’s joking.
Nobody really knows for sure.
Still, there’s a very real possibility that the Pickering, Ontario native is correct. Having last played in the league in 2011-12, the 39-year-old likely still has connections with people in the league. Leafs president Brendan Shanahan is also a former teammate of his.
There’s also the fact that the trade proposal makes some sense. Kadri may have worn out his welcome after costing the Leafs for a second straight season with a playoff suspension. The Jets have a need for a centre, particularly one under cost control ($4.5 million cap hit) for three more years like Kadri, after dealing Kevin Hayes to Philadelphia on Monday.
Trouba has long been rumoured to want out of Winnipeg, and is a restricted free agent. The 25-year-old is also a right-handed defenceman, which the Leafs covet. Trouba is three years younger than Kadri and coming off a 50-point season, so you would think Toronto would have to give up additional assets in such a deal.
Guess we’ll find out in the coming days if Avery was onto something.
Not holding by breath on the Sean Avery instagram trade “scoop”, but stranger things have happened.
— Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) June 5, 2019
I’m all for Sean Avery becoming our next great hockey insider, as long as every trade is broken via IG story at pretentious nightspots in the Meatpacking District. Or, failing that, while eating brunch at La Bonbonniere.
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 5, 2019
Either Sean Avery broke a completely random trade, which is hilarious, or he's going to force one of the insiders to formally dismiss his late night trolling, which is also hilarious.
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) June 5, 2019
Feel like Sean Avery’s “report” of a Kadri for Trouba trade is probably less than accurate considering how he seemingly went out of his way to mispronounce both their names lol
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) June 5, 2019
Sean Avery is trending in Canada. He's probably laughing his ass off right now
— Hardev Lad 🏳️🌈 (@HardevLad) June 5, 2019