Brad Treliving Sheds Light on Leafs' Decision Not to Add a Top-Six Forward
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving has revealed the reason why the Toronto Maple Leafs have not added a top-six forward this offseason while a guest on the Real Kyper and Bourne show.
Having the goal of finding someone who would be able to slot into the Leafs forward group following the departure of Mitch Marner to Vegas, Toronto had come up short, although as it would seem not for a lack of trying.
A new interview with Brad Treliving outlines that Toronto had targeted forward help for their top-six, and still are, but challenges still exist that create a barrier for the Leafs to add a key asset.
Why the Leafs Held Back From Adding Another Top-Six Option
Speaking on Sportsnet's 'Real Kyper & Bourne Show', Treliving said that he had been looking for a top-six forward, but noted that while there had been communication in free agency, it ultimately did not lead Toronto to any sure targets.
It was in terms of, you know, the movement. I think there's always communication, there's always lots of activity, not necessarily lots of achievement.
Berube said the CBA rising hasn't played any impact, although Maccelli was seen as a "bargain" signing making just $3.425M up until this season, with under $2M in cap space for Toronto right now.
Toronto added forward Matias Maccelli in a trade with the Utah Mammoth, and has signaled that he could compete for a spot next to Matthews along with Max Domi.
On adding a top-six forward, Treliving says that finding the right pieces goes beyond just adding a top scoring option, but finding a piece that both gels with their offense and can provide an additional layer to their game beyond scoring.
It's easy to say, "let's get a top six forward, well, who is that? What is the cost?" So that's really where we're focused at.
We all know what the prototypical top six forward looks like in terms of creating offense in those types of things, but sometimes you need a little bit of a different ingredient.
Whether it's defensive play or somebody that can get in for a check and create, you know, create lose pucks, create space, all those types of things.
We all know what the prototypical top six forward looks like in terms of creating offense in those types of things, but sometimes you need a little bit of a different ingredient.
Whether it's defensive play or somebody that can get in for a check and create, you know, create lose pucks, create space, all those types of things.
In terms of defensive play, one would think the honor would go to Domi, who has the scrappiness and energy that could work next to Matthews, but Domi struggled with inconsistency last season, with 33 points in 74 games played.
Maccelli faces more questions about if he can be a top-six forward, having just 18 points last season for Utah in 55 games, but had back-to-back seasons of 49 and 57 points the two years prior, besting Domi's two seasons in Toronto.
If Maccelli can return to his old form, the spot could be his. If Domi can showcase a higher effort level and have more consistent performances, he could be the one to win out.
Are The Toronto Maple Leafs Done Shopping For A Top-Six Forward?
The Leafs have indicated from both Treliving and head coach Craig Berube that going into the season the battle is mostly between Maccelli and Domi for the top-line spot, but this doesn't rule out any trade speculation.
Treliving indicates that adding on the top-six is something he still wants to do even if it isn't something he'll be able to target right away.
Toronto can still find ways to add to it's roster, but is seemingly on pace to keep as they are, with any possible trade for a forward being something that may no longer be something they feel a need to do right away.
With a lack of cap space unless they pull off a trade involving some of their current forwards linked to a deal such as David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, & Nick Robertson, Toronto could be hunting the bargain bin for high-reward discounts like Maccelli.
Brad Treliving seems to have accepted the Leafs offseason may have been quieter than they had anticipated, but will have to hope what they've done works out, and be willing to wait out any major addition.
If the Leafs struggle early, it could pull them back into the trade market, even if it appears right now they've settled for what they currently have.
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