Major Update From Elliotte Friedman On Maple Leafs Target Jared McCann

There were reports earlier that Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann was available in a potential trade -- sparking speculation for many teams especially the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could desperately use him.

The former 40-goal scorer could be a huge asset to any team, and Seattle is sure to have his price set to a premium. However, reports have surfaced that the Kraken isn't necessarily the ones initiating the offers.

Elliotte Friedman on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast mentioned that it was contenders interested in McCann, not Seattle trying to dump him off.

So with many teams looking to acquire McCann -- can the Toronto Maple Leafs make a play? Let's take a look.

Quietly one of the NHL's most efficient goal-scorers, McCann has 96 goals over his last three seasons including a 40-goal campaign in 2022-23.

A jack of all trades, McCann can play both the power play and penalty kill, add the scoring punch Toronto needs, and give the Maple Leafs a respectable center who can slide in and out of their second and third line and can produce in the clutch.

This season, the 28-year old has 14 goals and 28 assists in 57 games and is in the third year of his five-year, $25M contract.

McCann isn't necessarily the cheapest option, and Toronto has other ones available like Scott Laughton but it's not too often you can add a former 40-goal scorer to your team.

Seattle will most likely be looking to acquire a first round pick for the forward, and while Toronto doesn't have one for this year, they do for 2026. Is a package of that pick, Nick Robertson, and David Kampf enough to satiate Seattle?

It's a possibility but with other teams like Winnipeg holding an advantage with a 2025 first rounder -- Toronto will need to make it worth the Kraken's while.

No doubt GM Brad Treliving will look to see what he can do to acquire McCann, and why wouldn't he? A proven offensive talent with term and the ability to play elite defense.