Canucks just told the league what they want in trades, and it puts a target on Nick Robertson

This is also Friedman's report, and nothing official from the Canucks regarding their trade intentions has been mentioned.

With that being said, that certainly brings a bit of good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are looking to improve themselves -- it raises the possibility that teams may prefer NHL-ready players over draft picks in certain deals.

For a team who lacks any real future assets that's important.

But it does mean that if the team is looking to add certain pieces then they are going to have to sacrifice what little youth they have on the current NHL roster.

Right now that means players like Matias Maccelli (25), Matthew Knies (23), and Easton Cowan (20) could fit the Canucks' vision. Recent reporting has suggested Toronto is reluctant to move Knies or Cowan leaving Maccelli as one of the lone youngsters.

However one player who has raised his stock considerably this season is Nick Robertson, who has emerged as a top-six player who plays hard, has offensive potential, and has finally started to get a bit more consistent overall.

Toronto is finally starting to reap the benefits of Robertson, however with the team struggling to enact their identity -- some fans and analysts may wonder if his profile matches what Vancouver reportedly prefers.

One name who has been discussed is Kiefer Sherwood, as he would bring an extra layer of physicality to the team while also providing reliable and consistent goal-scoring.

He's a pending free agent and with reports that his salary could jump exponentially this summer, Vancouver may decide to cut ties. But Toronto has the salary to acquire him now and extend him in the future even with a pay raise.

There is currently no known discussions between Toronto and Vancouver regarding a trade, but Robertson fits the Canucks' need to get younger while NHL ready, meanwhile the Maple Leafs could utilize certain pieces in return.