Maple Leafs Forward Identified As Key Trade Chip As Deadline Approaches

Talks about a potential deal concerning the Maple Leafs has dominated the headlines over the past several weeks. Some names that have popped up include Philadelphia's Scott Laughton and New York's Chris Kreider.

Though there's also been some chatter about who is going to depart the team. Nick Robertson is often a name that has been bandied around when it comes to trade rumors, and though he started off slow, he's picked things up enough to warrant another extended look.

But there is one player who the Leafs have on their roster who not only hasn't performed to his ability, but finds himself on the outside looking in with the revamped lineup.

Once envisioned as Toronto's hybrid-two way forward capable of scoring 15-20 goals while adding solid defense and penalty killing, Holmberg has quickly fallen out of favor in Craig Berube's system.

Not only missing the last few games due to illness, but when he is on the ice hasn't been able to contribute whatsoever. Expected to help offensively as an anchor on Toronto's third line, he has two goals and four assists in 32 games; a huge drop off from his 2023 season.

But it's not just the lack of scoring that's hurting Holmberg, but his defense too. He's taking more penalties and is sitting at minus-3; not terrible but a stark contrast to his plus-11 from last season.

He's still 25 so his prime is still in the horizon but if he doesn't get it together he may find himself out of the league altogether. Toronto needs roster space for players who can make an impact and Holmberg's spot can be opened up for a proper fit while also adding important draft assets as well.

A restricted free agent at the end of the season, Holmberg isn't the needle mover but offers Toronto a bit more financial flexibility and gives them an asset to use now or later.