Hidden Gem Trade Target Emerges as Perfect Fit for Brad Treliving and Craig Berube's Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
One trade target that would fit perfectly into a new look Toronto Maple Leafs roster is New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider, as the team looks to change things up.
If Brad Treliving wanted to stay true to his promise about changing the DNA of the team heading into the 2025-26 NHL season, bringing some new faces would be a pretty good start.
Whether it be through free agency or the trade market, they certainly have options. But one player they should seriously target who would make a real change is New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider.
Why Chris Kreider makes a difference for Toronto
Besides being a brand new face in the locker room, Kreider could help give the Maple Leafs another big physical presence with the potential for a massive offensive season.
Kreider, 34, struggled with injuries and a down year with the Rangers, but has the offensive credentials to help replace some of Marner's regular season production; and improve the team's playoff offense too.
Averaging 25 goals for his career, he's hit the 50-goal plateau before, and his ability to be a game changer on the power play would certainly help Toronto.
While Marner seemed to hesitate to shoot, Kreider won't, and his remarkable consistency is something the team needs as they go through a transition period next year.
He also gives Craig Berube a veteran like Max Pacioretty (though much more durable) while still adding a power forward presence to the second line.
If the Maple Leafs make a few other moves this offseason we could see a wildly different team from 2024-25. For argument's sake, let's say Toronto signs Sam Bennett, trades for Kreider, as well as forward Mason Marchment this summer.
Here's a potential lineup:
Knies - Matthews - Domi
Kreider - Bennett - Nylander
Marchment - Tavares - McMann
Holmberg - Laughton - Quillan
This gives Toronto a more balanced lineup, with the potential for all four lines to score, and each line has the size necessary to run Berube's style of play.
What will Chris Kreider cost the Maple Leafs?
Not much hopefully, considering the Rangers want to move in a different direction and already floated his name about in trade talks at the deadline.
Toronto could entice New York with a mid-level prospect such as puck-moving defenders Mikko Kokkonen and Topi Niemala as well as a 3rd and 5th round pick from this year's draft.
That gives GM Chris Drury a chance to add some fresh faces and draft surplus while also opening up a lot of salary.
He makes $6.5M for the next two seasons, and Toronto can certainly afford that; especially with some cap dumps of their own like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok.
Bringing in Kreider makes a lot of sense for the Leafs. He fits the physical build, has the credentials, and most importantly:
Kreider changes the DNA of the Maple Leafs for the coming season.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 603 ANSWERS Hidden Gem Trade Target Emerges as Perfect Fit for Brad Treliving and Craig Berube's Maple Leafs Do you think the Maple Leafs should try and trade for New York's Chris Kreider? | ||
| Yes | 266 | 44.1 % |
| No | 337 | 55.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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