The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a strong start to the 2024-25 NHL season. Their goaltending has been stellar, and they sit atop the Atlantic Division. However, Leafs GM Brad Treliving is always looking for ways to improve his team, and recent NHL trade rumors suggest he’s exploring the market for a second-line center.
This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. While the Leafs’ top line has been dominant, their secondary scoring could use a boost. Adding a skilled center to play behind Auston Matthews would give the Leafs more offensive firepower and make them even more dangerous in the playoffs.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently reported on his podcast that the Leafs are indeed sniffing around the center market. He cautioned, however, that the Leafs don’t have a lot of trade chips to dangle.
“A second-line center is what they would like to add to this group in a perfect world,” Pagnotta said. “They don’t necessarily have the significant assets they’re willing to move to do it. They don’t have a first-round pick this year. They have a first-round pick next year. Will they look to potentially part with that? We’ll have to wait and see.”
This is where Treliving’s expertise comes in. He has a history of making shrewd trades, and he’ll need to be creative if he wants to land a top-six center without sacrificing a key player or that valuable first-round pick.
Toronto Maple Leafs Potential Trade Targets
So, who could the Leafs be targeting?
- Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins): Now this is a long shot, but with the Penguins struggling, could Crosby waive his no-movement clause to chase a Cup in Toronto? It’s highly unlikely, but the Leafs might be tempted to call their old GM.
- Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers): A versatile forward who can play center or wing. Laughton brings grit, energy, and offensive upside. He could be a good fit in the Leafs’ middle six.
- Brock Nelson (New York Islanders): A solid two-way center with a history of consistent scoring. He’s a pending UFA, so the cost to acquire might not cost what it would for Laughton or Crosby.
Of course, acquiring any of these players would come at a cost. The Leafs may need to part with a young roster player, a prospect, or even that coveted 2026 first-round pick. A player like Crosby would require a king’s ransom.
It’s going to be an interesting few months leading up to the NHL trade deadline. If Treliving can pull off a deal for a second-line center, the Leafs could become a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
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