It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the hunt for a third-line center to bolster their Stanley Cup chances. But with limited cap space and a desire for a player with term remaining on their contract, Leafs GM Brad Treliving has his work cut out for him. Forget Brock Nelson or Dylan Cozens; those aren’t the names on Treliving’s radar.
NHL insider Darren Dreger recently revealed a list of potential targets that fit the Leafs’ criteria and budget. Let’s dive into the most likely candidates:
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Targets: Centers with Term
- Ryan Strome (Anaheim Ducks): Strome has found his scoring touch again in Anaheim. He’s a solid two-way player with playoff experience and could be a valuable addition to the Leafs’ middle six.
- Mikael Granlund (San Jose Sharks): Granlund is a versatile forward who can play center or wing. He’s known for his playmaking abilities and responsible defensive game. With the Sharks likely to be sellers, Granlund could be a more affordable option.
- Yanni Gourde (Seattle Kraken): Gourde brings grit, energy, and championship pedigree. He’s a proven winner who can play in any situation. His contract might be a bit trickier to fit under the cap, but his impact could be significant.
- Nick Bjugstad (Utah Hockey Club): Bjugstad is a big-bodied center with decent offensive upside. He’s having a resurgence in Utah and could provide the Leafs with some much-needed size and depth down the middle.
With Auston Matthews back in the lineup and not heading to LTIR, the Leafs won’t have much cap flexibility. This means Treliving will need to get creative or explore dollar-in, dollar-out scenarios to make a trade happen.
My Take: Of the names listed, Strome seems like the best fit. He has the most offensive upside and brings valuable playoff experience. Granlund is a close second, offering versatility and a strong two-way game. Gourde’s cap hit might be a hurdle, and while Bjugstad provides size, he may not be the impactful player the Leafs need for a deep playoff run. It will be interesting to see how Treliving navigates this situation and whether he can land a center who can make a real difference.
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