New report links the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 30 goal scorer in a potential blockbuster trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled this season to find a good balance for their forward group. The biggest problem so far has been the Maple Leafs' lack of depth at the center ice position. Heading into the season it was expected that John Tavares would take a bit of a back seat and become the third-line center for the Maple Leafs. In conjunction with this move, the Maple Leafs were expected to move William Nylander to center and see if he could handle the responsibility.

Now just a month into the NHL season the Maple Leafs have abandoned that plan and returned John Tavares to the second line with Max Domi being the third-line center. For now, this is an acceptable move but when the Stanley Cup Playoffs come the Maple Leafs are going to need a better one-two punch down the middle. This afternoon a report from James Mirtle of The Athletic has suggested a potential solution to the Maple Leafs problem.

In a segment on Sportsnet Toronto Maple Leafs reporter James Mirtle was talking about the team and ways they could improve the roster. Outside of the expected Timothy Liljegren trade eventually the next most likely move will be to add a center.

According to James Mirtle one name being floated around that would make sense is New York Islanders veteran Brock Nelson. He is entering the final year of his contract and if the Islanders do not see themselves as contenders he could be prime trade bait.

With the Toronto Maple Leafs shifting to a new style under Craig Berube they would need to acquire a player who is good offensively but can handle defensive responsibilities as well. Brock Nelson is the perfect candidate for this role as he comes from a very defense-first system with the New York Islanders.

Despite being in a system that prioritizes defensive hockey Brock Nelson has been an offensive force in New York for several seasons now. In each of the last 3 seasons, Brock Nelson has eclipsed the 30-goal mark for the Islanders. He also has plenty of playoff pedigree after he was part of multiple Islanders squads that made the Eastern Conference Finals.

If Brock Nelson becomes available, he is likely the best option that the Toronto Maple Leafs can realistically add to their lineup before the trade deadline. He would slot in as the team's second-line center and allow the rest of the lineup to return to roles more familiar to them.

If things begin to heat up between the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs on the Brock Nelson front we will bring you all of the latest updates.