With a potential trade looming behind the scenes, one Maple Leafs insider believes they can succeed with a package that isn’t as flashy as people expect.
It’s been no secret that Brad Treliving wants to add not only a bit of offense to his team but to shore up any defensive liabilities when it comes to their forward corps.
There are several names across the league who could fill the gap for the Maple Leafs but their cost may end up being too much for Toronto down the line.
But the trades that Toronto can make don’t necessarily need to have a huge name value attached to them, nor would they need to part with their top prospects.
Toronto can utilize role players effectively, as they have in the past to great success, and it seems like it won’t take a big deal to make an impact.
Toronto has a logjam of mid-tier forward prospects they could package to a team where they’d get a chance to use them more but also allow teams to pass off any older or unwanted players that don’t fit into their future plans.
Toronto’s top forwards are locked down and with potentially a Mitch Marner contract extension in the works as well, the future is bright but the time is now.
With the team Treliving assembled this is their best chance at winning, and adding the important piece needed will be the make or break moment for the Leafs.
A lot of talk around who Toronto should bring in has led to names like Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson, and even Sidney Crosby have been brought up as potential names although not only will they cost a significant amount of money, but assets that Toronto doesn’t have and can’t risk sending away.
A potential package for a cheaper option like Trent Frederic or Noel Acciari would cost Toronto a player like Robertson and a 2025 third-rounder, and if teams are really stingy then throw in a high-round pick in 2026-27.
The types of players who help teams win the Stanley Cup are an equal amount of star power and pure complete hockey at both ends of the ice.
Toronto is chock full of the first, and they need to make a deal in order to clear up any holes that will cause them more playoff heartbreak.