Toronto Maple Leafs Gear Up for the Trade Deadline
As the NHL season enters its final quarter, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a strong position, battling for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. However, even in this promising position, there are still areas that General Manager Brad Treliving can address to solidify the team’s playoff chances. The most glaring hole has been the lack of a reliable third-line center. With the March 7 trade deadline looming, Treliving has several options to consider, each with the potential to significantly enhance the team’s depth and scoring capabilities.
Brayden Schenn: The Proven Veteran
If the St. Louis Blues’ captain Brayden Schenn becomes available, the Leafs should be among the first to make a move. Schenn, 33, has demonstrated his value this season with 12 goals and 37 points in 61 games. Slotted into the Leafs’ bottom six, he would be the highest-scoring player, filling the exact role the team has been seeking. Schenn’s Stanley Cup-winning pedigree from 2019 adds another layer of experience and leadership, something that can be invaluable in the playoffs. Coach Craig Berube, who has spent over five years working with Schenn, vouches for his abilities, making him a logical fit. However, the price tag for such a seasoned player could be steep, but the potential return on investment is undeniable.
Rickard Rakell: The Dynamic Scorer
Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins could be the missing piece to solidify the Leafs’ second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. Despite the Penguins’ underwhelming performance, Rakell has been a consistent producer, scoring 26 goals and 60 points in 61 games. The Leafs have struggled with scoring consistency in the playoffs, and adding a proven 30-goal scorer like Rakell could provide the necessary boost. Rakell and Nylander have already shown promising chemistry as linemates for Team Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off, which could expedite their on-ice synergy in Toronto. This combination of proven production and existing chemistry makes Rakell an attractive target for the Leafs.
Scott Laughton: The Playoff Edge
Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers could bring an extra edge to the Leafs’ roster, particularly during the playoffs. With 11 goals and 27 points in 58 games, Laughton is a solid option for the depth center role. The Flyers have already made significant trades this season, including the departure of Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost to the Calgary Flames, indicating a potential openness to further deals. A crucial advantage for the Leafs is that Laughton is not a rental player; he is under contract for the 2025-26 season with a reasonable cap hit of $3 million. This long-term commitment could be particularly appealing for a team like the Leafs, which is looking to build a sustainable roster for the future.
Dylan Cozens: The Future Star
While the chances of the Buffalo Sabres trading a 24-year-old center with a recent 30-goal season are slim, NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes has mentioned the Leafs as one of the teams with interest in Dylan Cozens. Cozens has 11 goals and 30 points in 58 games this season, and his potential as a young, dynamic player cannot be overlooked. Cozens could not only help the Leafs in the immediate future but also serve as a long-term solution, given that Tavares and Mitch Marner’s contract extensions are still uncertain. Cozens would be under contract until the summer of 2030, providing a stable presence in the middle of the ice for years to come. While the cost of acquiring Cozens would be high, the long-term benefits could justify the investment.
The Path to Playoff Success
In the quest to secure a deep playoff run, the Leafs need to address their deficiencies and capitalize on the available trade options. Brayden Schenn, Rickard Rakell, Scott Laughton, and Dylan Cozens each bring unique strengths to the table, from veteran leadership and scoring prowess to playoff experience and long-term potential. The challenge for Treliving is to balance the immediate needs with the team’s long-term goals, ensuring that any trade is not only beneficial for this season but also sustainable for the future. As the trade deadline approaches, the Leafs must be strategic and decisive, leveraging their assets to make the right moves that will push them closer to their ultimate goal: a Stanley Cup championship.
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