According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are seeking a center with term. The well-known insider appeared on The Fan Hockey Show on Sportsnet with Anna Dua and Mike Futa and mentioned the idea that the Leafs are trying to improve their roster but would prefer to add a player who is not a rental.
I think their preference is the term. That’s one thing I’ve heard out there is that preference is term.”
It has been reported since the start of the season that GM Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs are looking to add another center—ideally, someone who can slot in behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares as the third-line center.
Friedman also commented on the search for a center, saying:
“I think that’s the number one thing that he’s [Treliving] been looking for all season.”
Additionally, it has been reported that if the Maple Leafs showed interest in Seattle Kraken’s Yanni Gourde, he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, the main challenge is that he doesn’t have term left on his deal; he would only be a rental.