Maple Leafs Must Act Fast as Penguins Make Two Top-Six Forwards Available in Rebuild
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs must act urgently if they want to add that top-six powerhouse as both Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are very much available according to a report from The Daily Faceoff.
It's not a secret: The Maple Leafs need another top-six forward. While the team could definitely get through this upcoming season with the pieces they have, there is still that final piece that could push them over the top.
Linked to several names in recent weeks, there's still some time for something to get done, but not much and if Brad Treliving is really seeking that extra help, he may need to pay up a bit.
Pittsburgh wants Gavin, willing to rebuild to make it happen
But he might not have to break the bank according to The Daily Faceoff.
On Daily Faceoff Live (July 23) co-hosts Matt Larkin and Tyler Yaremchuk discussed the potential moves the Penguins could make this season, with Larkin explaining that the team is looking to accelerate a rebuild in a big way:
They have chips that I think a lot of teams could use. It's been the narrative this offseason.
They're the one team that is truly committed to rebuilding and tanking because, of course, the gods are going to give them Gavin McKenna as they do every 20 years. Pittsburgh gets that superstar.
So, I'm looking at Bryan Rust. I'm looking at Rickard Rakell. There are a few teams that still need a top-six forward. If you can make money work, I think Winnipeg does. I think Toronto does.
They're the one team that is truly committed to rebuilding and tanking because, of course, the gods are going to give them Gavin McKenna as they do every 20 years. Pittsburgh gets that superstar.
So, I'm looking at Bryan Rust. I'm looking at Rickard Rakell. There are a few teams that still need a top-six forward. If you can make money work, I think Winnipeg does. I think Toronto does.
If the Penguins are indeed going to luck out and get the #1 overall pick in 2026, no doubt they found their guy. First Lemieux, then Crosby, now McKenna.
But in order to do so, they are going to need to tank and that involves selling off any potential impact players who can make a difference between a win and a loss.
Toronto needs to pry either Rust or Rakell from Penguins ASAP
Rust and Rakell both fit that bill, with the former being a mainstay with the team for the last decade, and the latter exploding for a career-high 70 points and being an equally defensive and physical presence in addition to his offense.
Toronto might have to give up some big pieces in order to do so, but if they look to some of Kyle Dubas' old friends; maybe it won't be so bad.
Pittsburgh needs goaltending help, and Dennis Hildeby is on the cusp of being a starter, and we know how much love the former Leafs GM has for him.
Then you have William Villeneuve and even Nick Robertson; two players who are young and ready to step in to a bigger role; even on a tanking team.
It doesn't matter who Toronto adds. Rust will give you that veteran leadership, grittiness, offensive prowess and has a ton of experience playing alongside superstars so it'll be a seamless transition.
Rakell has been one of the more understated stars in the league, and over his 13 year career has put up 519 points including 78 goals over his past three seasons and would give Toronto's second line that power forward they need.
Brad Treliving needs to prey on Pittsburgh's desperation, and if the team is dead set on being the worst team in the league, they'll need to get worse.
So why not help the Maple Leafs get better?
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