Maple Leafs Quiet Free Agency Setting the Stage for an Explosive Finale

Brad Treliving has certainly been busy so far this free agency, trading Mitch Marner to Vegas in exchange for Nicolas Roy, and adding a quartet of new faces to provide some depth to their lineup and help restock their AHL system after losing some notable names.

They aren't the signings fans were expecting, and as they watched as targets like Andrew Mangiapane, Brandon Tanev, and Nick Bjugstad all sign elsewhere for the cheap, it was starting to get concerning that the Maple Leafs had forgotten about making a serious move.

But what if it's all part of the plan?

We've heard Treliving state that the free agent market is getting thinner and thinner, and the team may look to the trade market instead to make an impact.

According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, who was speaking on TSN on Wednesday explained that the Maple Leafs roster as it stands is nowhere near completion, and they are looking to do something later on.

So with that being said, who could the Maple Leafs end up targeting?

Well, if the team is looking for a blockbuster then you can't get any better than the trio of Nazem Kadri, Jared McCann and Jordan Kyrou. All three men would add that top-six presence Toronto needs, and bringing the passion as well.

A lot has been stated about bringing in Kadri, and while the team might be kicking themselves about losing him in the first place, he's made it clear he wouldn't mind a reunion and he would add the perfect second-line punch with John Tavares and William Nylander.

Kadri, 34, had 67 points in 82 games (35G, 32) and has become one of the better offensive presences in the league since leaving Toronto. A Stanley Cup winner, he would provide the team with exactly the type of player they need to get them over the top.

McCann, who the Maple Leafs neglected to hold onto in favor of Justin Holl in the 2021 Expansion Draft has been a steady and consistent offensive player over the last four season with the Kraken.

In 315 games he has 243 points (118G, 125A) including a 40-goal campaign in 2022-23, and would instantly slot in beside Nylander and Tavares on the second line.

Kyrou, whose name has been in trade rumors recently over the last few weeks, would reunite with former head coach Craig Berube.

Only 27, he has exploded to be the Blues' top offensive weapon in recent reasons, with 104 goals over the last three seasons.

In 416 games, he has 332 points (150G, 182A) while adding 13 points in 28 playoff games. This past season he had 70 points in 82 games (36A, 34A) and once again, is another solid two-way performer.

It remains to be seen which way Brad Treliving wants to go this summer, but if he wants to make a splash; he's got a trio of names who would do just that.