The Toronto Maple Leafs have some important positions to fill, and the NHL 2024's trade deadline less than a week away just might work in their favor.
Brad Treliving, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, could very well be considering these player packages for their pre-trade deadline targets.
The Arizona Coyotes, currently in the rebuild process, could offer Toronto a valuable opportunity to strengthen their roster ahead of the playoffs.
Two players whose contracts are set to expire this offseason – defenseman Matt Dumba and forward Nick Bjugstad – could be attractive options for Maple Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas.
Dumba, a versatile right-handed defenseman with a physical edge, could fill Toronto's need for additional depth on their blue line.
His arrival would also allow the team to explore possibilities for trading Jake Muzzin or Travis Dermott, who have large contracts and uncertain futures within the organization.
Bjugstad, an experienced bottom-six forward, could provide a significant boost to Toronto's depth scoring.
With the Maple Leafs facing injuries in their forward group, adding Bjugstad's offensive capabilities and defensive prowess would be a welcome addition.
Acquiring these players from Arizona might not require significant assets as the Coyotes appear committed to selling at the deadline to accumulate more draft picks and young talent.
As far as I can tell, the playoff contenders trying to land a forward before Friday’s trade deadline are the Knights and Oilers, as mentioned, plus the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Maybe the Boston Bruins are, too, to some degree, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Toronto Maple Leafs looked for a depth forward.”
Pierre LeBrun
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly considering a significant roster shake-up, with defenseman David Savard and center Sean Monahan emerging as potential trade targets.
Acquiring both players from Montreal could address the Maple Leafs' needs on both the blueline and at center ice.
Savard, a reliable right-handed defenseman, could slot in nicely alongside Morgan Rielly or Jake Muzzin, providing Toronto with a solid top-four option.
His arrival would also give the team flexibility to explore potential trades involving Travis Dermott or TJ Brodie, who have questionable futures within the organization.
Monahan's acquisition could address Toronto's center depth concerns.
With John Tavares and Auston Matthews occupying the top two spots, acquiring a proven veteran like Monahan would provide stability and scoring ability from the third-line center position.
The cost of acquiring both Savard and Monahan might be higher than that of Dumba and Bjugstad due to Monahan's larger contract and Montreal's reported desire for high-value assets in return.
Moreover, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in acquiring Matt Roy from the Los Angeles Kings to strengthen their blue line and secure a spot among the league's top four right-shot defensemen.
His pending free agency status and reasonable contract make him an attractive option for acquiring short-term help without a significant long-term commitment.
Roy's acquisition would also allow the Maple Leafs to explore potential trades involving their current top right-handed defensemen – Jake Muzzin, Travis Dermott, and TJ Brodie – in order to acquire younger, more cost-effective options for the future.
The Kings' cap crunch may necessitate trading Roy before the deadline to clear space for potential extensions or acquisitions of their own.
Something to Consider
Although Seattle's reported reluctance to trade Adam Larsson makes a deal with the Kraken unlikely, considering the potential impact of these players on the Maple Leafs' roster warrants discussion.
Acquiring Larsson would give Toronto a solid top-four defenseman for the short term and potentially the long term if he re-signs after his contract expires.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, meanwhile, could provide depth scoring and defensive capabilities at the fourth-line center position.
However, given Seattle's reluctance to trade Larsson, it is unclear what assets would be required to pry him away from the Kraken, making this a less probable option for the Maple Leafs.