Maple Leafs Given the Green Light to Pursue High-Profile Trade
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have permission to look into a massive trade opportunity for the club.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the Toronto Maple Leafs have the full approval of leadership to begin the process of adding to their roster and gaining additional pieces.
Per LeBrun, the Leafs are now positioned to make a deal for the trade deadline, adding to their roster the move the team had hoped to make in the offseason, but waited on. The time may now be soon.
Leafs Front Office Preparing for Potential Big Move
Pierre LeBrun reported on 'Insider Training' that after speaking to Major League Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) CEO Keith Pelley, his understanding is that the Leafs have a «go» to add a key asset.
LeBrun says that Pelley has let the Leafs «go for it» and try to get a big move done, if they can get one and find the right piece.
He twice referred to this, saying 'it's go time' in our interview at the Board of Governors, and what he means by that is that, look - look at the age of our team.
I mean, they're deep in their window here and the bottom line is that Brad Treliving has the full green light to take a swing between now and March 6th at the trade deadline if he can...
So, Toronto would like to swing here before March 6th... The big boss says the GM can go for it.
I mean, they're deep in their window here and the bottom line is that Brad Treliving has the full green light to take a swing between now and March 6th at the trade deadline if he can...
So, Toronto would like to swing here before March 6th... The big boss says the GM can go for it.
Who Could the Maple Leafs Target in a High-Profile Trade?
The Toronto Maple Leafs could have a few major opportunities to add to their roster near the trade deadline, and have clear spots where they could choose to make a major addition.
The Leafs have one clear area they seem to be targeting, and that's on their top-six, specifically on the wing. The Leafs never fully replaced Mitch Marner, and while adding a potential option in Matias Maccelli, the Leafs could be in line for another upgrade.
Having lost a major part of their roster, Toronto could look to move for a short-term option to help bring them closer to the playoffs, someone that adds the Leafs need for a physical presence who can make plays.
One player who could be of real interest for the Leafs is Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch. The 29-year-old is in the final year of a seven-year contract.
Tuch had 36 goals and 67 points in 82 games last season for the Sabres. An extension for Tuch is not currently under discussion.
At 6'4, Tuch is a physical two-way forward who had been a solid playoff performer in Vegas, but has not seen the postseason with Buffalo, potentially ready for a shot at the cup.
Tuch is currently making $4.75M annually. If he were to be traded to the Leafs, he'd likely have to be traded with some retention from Buffalo's side. Other teams appear to be interested in Tuch already.
One possible way the Leafs could get a deal done is having Tuch retained for 25%, and having a contract like Max Domi's the other way, but that would be a heavy fee.
The Leafs don't have first round picks until 2028, but that may not be a huge issue for Buffalo who have a strong prospect pool. One name that may make a deal happen, however, is Easton Cowan.
Cowan may be near untouchable for Toronto, but for a player of Tuch's caliber may be one in which they'd be willing to part with, especially if including retention.
Assuming that Scott Laughton returns by then, which he should, that could also open up a trade involving Nick Robertson, although Buffalo doesn't feel like a likely destination, but a move Toronto could do to set up cap room.
Could Toronto also try to move on from pending UFA Matias Maccelli? Possibly, depending on the ask, which wouldn't be friendly.
Alex Tuch could be a major solution for the Leafs at right wing as an elite offensive weapon, and would add the overall profile that Toronto is looking for in a player.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 17|1520 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Given the Green Light to Pursue High-Profile Trade Would you trade Easton Cowan in a deal for Alex Tuch? | ||
| Yes | 374 | 24.6 % |
| No | 1146 | 75.4 % |
| List of polls | ||