Harrison Scott hit waivers on Tuesday and if the Maple Leafs want to add some scoring depth at the AHL and possibly NHL level, claiming him is a good start.
As the Maple Leafs look for scoring depth, they have called up Miles Wood - acquired in the Kirill Marchenko blockbuster, as well as trying AHL standout Bo Groulx.
They also have Brendan Brisson tearing it up on the Marlies, and if he continues at his current pace then he could be a serious option for Toronto.
Maple Leafs handed a solid scoring option for free on waivers
But if the team didn't want to go through an internal option and find some help outside the franchise, they just got a great piece handed to them. The Dallas Stars placed forward Harrison Scott on waivers and the former NCAA standout would be a perfectly cheap and reliable option for the club.
Scott, 26, is a versatile forward who can play both wing and centre and has a very solid AHL resume.
After being signed by the Stars out of Maine (NCAA), he's posted 18 goals and 32 points in his only pro season. In Maine he had 33 goals and 62 points in 65 games, while also adding 26 points in 65 games for Bentley (NCAA).
It would make sense also as to why the Maple Leafs should target him as he fits perfectly in with the new scouting department and the renewed focus on using the NCAA pipeline. There's a few names who at least know what Scott can offer, and their voices are important.
Can Toronto even afford to claim Scott?
If you're talking from a financial perspective then it's not really an issue as he only makes $875,000 and is signed for this season and the next. He's a low-cost investment that offers depth to an organization that often gets crippled with injuries.
But in terms of finding a spot in the lineup, he would need to prove himself at the AHL level first but they already have a fairly congested group.
He would need to push out someone in the top-six which includes standouts like Brisson and captain Logan Shaw, or force a newcomer like Henrik Rybinski - who has been solid to start - into a lesser role.
There is a world where the Maple Leafs focus more on offense in their bottom six and which allows Scott to find more opportunities. He would certainly be a low-risk addition that would give Toronto more insurance at a time when they could use it.
Though claiming him will cost someone else a spot in the lineup and the club needs to weigh whether that's truly worth it or not - but we'll know in 24 hours.
Should the Maple Leafs make a claim for Harrison Scott off waivers?
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