John Tavares's Performance This Season Positions Brad Treliving For Success At The Trade Deadline

With his second hat-trick of the year, Tavares now has 15 goals and 28 points on the season. Looking a decade younger and showcasing his immense talent still at 34 years old, Tavares is playing like he's got a chip on his shoulder.

With him being in the final year of his contract and hoping to stay with Toronto the rest of his career, his emergence as still a top player in the NHL has made GM Brad Treliving's life easier as the trade deadline emerges.

While he isn't in his mid-20's anymore, John Tavares' play on the ice wouldn't dictate otherwise. Showing unbelievable handles and a newfound scoring touch, Tavares has helped Toronto to first place in the Atlantic Division.

Already on pace to smash last year's goal total of 29, and on pace to score 41 goals, the Maple Leafs have to be in awe of how Tavares has found new life. Although he was stripped of his captaincy, it hasn't bothered him at all and continues to lead by example even without the 'C'.

It's a great sign for Brad Treliving too, as the rampant hype and speculation regarding a potential trade can slowly focus into a more reasonable deal. A lot of talk surrounding bringing in big names like Nazem Kadri or Brock Nelson would be costly, and provide the Leafs with something Tavares already does.

That means the team can focus on adding more depth to their lineup instead of trying to go all-in, and adding a 3C like Juuso Parssinen from Nashville could be the perfect fit as the bottom six starts trying to find their groove.

Tavares' play can help Treliving not break the bank and keep ahold of prospects like Easton Cowan or Artur Ahktyamov, while adding the pieces they need. If Toronto's third line can get some consistency it would be a huge boost to the team come playoff time and keep their future safe.

His play this season has been a revelation and a key reason in Toronto's success. But Tavares also helps his GM in a huge way by reassuring him that he's got the second line locked down, and the focus can shift to the final piece of the playoff puzzle.