Brad Treliving Faces Pressure as 40-Goal Scorer Linked to Maple Leafs Division Rival
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
According to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News, Brad Treliving has some competition when it comes to Jared McCann, and it involves their biggest rival, the Montreal Canadiens.
With the talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their need to add a top-six forward as rampant as ever considering the short timeframe they have to get a deal done, it seems that the longer we hear nothing, the likelihood of a deal goes drastically down.
They have been linked to several top names including Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Matz Zuccarello, Marco Rossi, and Jared McCann and it seems they have a bevy of options to choose from if they want to add (and the price is right).
But in regards to the latter, McCann is a player who the Maple Leafs could certainly use, and he would be a perfect replacement for Mitch Marner on the top line, and provide even more scoring for Craig Berube.
Why a Rival's Pursuit of Jared McCann Puts Pressure on Brad Treliving
However, according to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News, they aren't the only ones interested in the Seattle Kraken forward as the Montreal Canadiens have emerged as potential candidates to bring in McCann:
When looking at the Canadiens' current forward group, it is clear that they could use an upgrade at their second-line center spot.
Due to this, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Canadiens to pursue is Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann.
McCann has been in the rumor mill this off-season, just like he was leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline. With the Canadiens' top six needing a boost, he would be a major addition to their roster if brought in.
While McCann has played on the wing more often in recent years, he also has plenty of experience playing center.
Due to this, he would have the potential to provide the Canadiens with a much-needed upgrade down the middle if acquired. He would also give them another skilled player to work with on their power play if brought in.
Due to this, one player who could make a lot of sense for the Canadiens to pursue is Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann.
McCann has been in the rumor mill this off-season, just like he was leading up to the 2025 NHL trade deadline. With the Canadiens' top six needing a boost, he would be a major addition to their roster if brought in.
While McCann has played on the wing more often in recent years, he also has plenty of experience playing center.
Due to this, he would have the potential to provide the Canadiens with a much-needed upgrade down the middle if acquired. He would also give them another skilled player to work with on their power play if brought in.
It's a bit unfortunate to hear that Toronto's most heated rival could swoop in and steal a player they wanted, and if the team is going to ensure they bring in someone; they might have to act a bit quicker than they anticipated.
What It Could Mean for the Maple Leafs' Battle in the Atlantic Division
Not only would McCann give the Canadiens even more firepower than they already have, but it makes the Maple Leafs' Atlantic hopes even more dire. Montreal quietly got a lot stronger this season and could give Toronto a run for their money this season.
What was once a three-team race in the division has essentially turned into a crapshoot at times. Tampa Bay, Toronto, Florida, Ottawa, and Montreal are all more than capable of fighting for the top three, and as much as the Leafs improved; so did the others.
If the Canadiens can get their hands on McCann (a much easier task to accomplish than you'd think) before October 8th, there's no doubt he'll be looked at to do as much damage as possible to Toronto in the season opener.
With the Maple Leafs looking to start off strong, the last thing they need is to worry about another Canadiens threat; they already have a tough time as it is.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 18 | 1341 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Faces Pressure as 40-Goal Scorer Linked to Maple Leafs Division Rival Do you think Montreal will end up acquiring Jared McCann? | ||
| Yes | 490 | 36.5 % |
| No | 851 | 63.5 % |
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