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Elliotte Friedman links the Maple Leafs to acquiring a top NHL forward in a blockbuster deal

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Daniel Lucente
November 22, 2024  (1:03 PM)
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GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs Brad Treliving speaks to the media
Photo credit: CP

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has just revealed some shocking news on his 32 Thoughts podcast, that the Maple Leafs could trade for a top centerman.

The Toronto Maple Leafs clearly have a depth problem at center.

The team has mixed and matched their options from veteran contributors like Max Domi to youngsters Steven Lorentz and rookie Fraser Minten.

While the latter did show a little promise in Wednesday's game, none of those players have brought consistent value that is badly required by the Leafs.

With General Manager Brad Treliving seeming proactive, reports indicate Toronto has been quite active scouting other teams over the last few weeks, and with the latest '32 Thoughts' from Elliotte Friedman indicating a trade for a centerman may be close, the question remains: what do the Leafs have to trade?

"The teams that are looking hard at centers now - including Chicago and Nashville - have to weigh when others wade into the market. One of those will be Toronto, for sure. The Blackhawks and Predators have the advantage of more cap space/high picks to trade, and more of a willingness to do it at this time. But as the season continues and cap-strapped teams try to build space, competition will increase."

- Elliotte Friedman


And that seems to be the big question on everyone's mind.

Nick Robertson is a trade chip with some potential.

Diminished lineup opportunities and players returning from injury have certainly cut into his playing time.

His up-and-down scoring and a lack of overall defensive contributions could ultimately make him expendable.

The Leafs could, if they wanted, explore trading contracts such as David Kampf's or Calle Jarnkrok's.

Teams looking for bottom-six defensive depth might find them desirable, but this would open up space for Toronto to pursue offense.

More boldly, the Leafs could give up draft picks or a combination of assets to target a high-impact player like Brock Nelson or Evgeni Malkin.

It would be tough to do without sweeteners, though, maybe Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, or a prospect from their farm system.

However, the Leafs might be reluctant to dip into their developmental pool for such a move.

Still, a marquee acquisition would justify the cost.

The Leafs are in a tough spot, particularly with other teams having stronger asset pools.

That doesn't mean the Leafs don't have enough to get a deal done, though.

They may not go down the blockbuster trade route if they determine it's not worth it, but even a small upgrade down the middle could very well become the difference-maker during an extended playoff run.

This is not about headlines; this is about getting those wins that count when it really matters.

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22 NOVEMBRE   |   339 ANSWERS
Elliotte Friedman links the Maple Leafs to acquiring a top NHL forward in a blockbuster deal

Will the Maple Leafs make a blockbuster trade shortly?

Yes16247.8 %
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