Elliotte Friedman Links Maple Leafs to Former Top-15 Draft Pick in Latest Report

The Toronto Maple Leafs will undoubtedly make a trade ahead of or on March 7, however the question still remains about which player is actually going to be the one Brad Treliving entrusts to help lead the team.

Elliotte Friedman has mentioned a flurry of names, and his latest potential trade target on the 32 Thoughts Podcast is a unique although pretty important one: San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin.

Kunin, 27, would be a fantastic depth forward for Craig Berube's squad as he offers solid offensive numbers, he's good at faceoffs, throws tons of hits and blocks his fair share of shots.

This season, he's already matched last year's output with 11 goals and seven assists and has a lot of games left. He's played in 51 games this season (leading the league) and would help with not only forward depth but be a literal insurance policy to Toronto's injury prone roster.

A former 15th overall pick in 2016 by Minnesota, has really been solid in his eight-year career. In 410 games he has 73 goals, 69 assists, 370 PIM and 828 hits; he's scrappy, he's fearless, and he can score.

Kunin would be able to instantly slot into the third or fourth line, can play both wings but is a natural center, and he's able to contribute on both the penalty kill and power play.

A line with Kunin at center alongside Max Domi and Bobby McMann on his wings would provide an energetic and scrappy group that has not only much improved defense and grit, but a perfect blend of scoring, playmaking, and energy.

He could even substitute on the fourth on the wing in a defensive role alongside Steven Lorentz and David Kampf and form a real shutdown line that throws tons of hits, wins faceoffs and hounds opponents at both ends of the ice.

He's cheap too, only costing $2.75M and is a free agent, so as a frugal rental piece he would be able to come in and help out a lot.

If Toronto can then add a shutdown defenseman to help Morgan Rielly, they'll be in business.

He's a perfect fit for Toronto not only because he adds that extra offensive punch and great defense and grit, but his ability to stay healthy will be crucial as Toronto's players seem to keep dropping like flies.