Maple Leafs Reportedly Checked In on Top-Six Forward, Signaling Big Trade Plans Ahead

With all the discussion regarding the plans for the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason, a lot of it has been surrounding the team's potential to bring in a proper top-six force to give Auston Matthews and company some much needed help, now that Mitch Marner is out of town.

They have been linked to big names like Nazem Kadri, and while that deal Ould bring the perfect mix of grit and offense to the Maple Leafs, it seems like Calgary might be privy to keep him at the end of the day.

However, if they still want to make a splash then perhaps they should give GM Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues a call, and see what it would take to bring in Jordan Kyrou, and according to David Pagnotta; they already have.

But so far it's only checking in:

It also seemingly confirms the report that Toronto was a potential team checking in on Kyrou, even if there was nothing solid in place.

We touched on the Maple Leafs going after Rodrigues, and while it makes sense from an identity standpoint, with the team looking to make a big splash in their top-six, a player like Kyrou would add much more punch up front.

Averaging nearly 35 goals over the last three seasons with the Blues, Kyrou has emerged as St. Louis' top option and while he's a great player; he is pretty expensive.

Kyrou, 27, is making $8.125-million until 2031, and has a full no-trade clause, so would need to waive that if he were to head anywhere which makes any deal difficult, and there's no guarantee that he wants to leave even if the Blues want him gone.

It's also a question of what the Maple Leafs can offer Armstrong and the Blues, as they would need to give them at least one NHL-ready player, and could have to end up dangling someone like Ben Danford or even potentially Easton Cowan in a deal.

Plus, with the Blues surprising everyone last season, and Kyrou being a huge reason why they took the Jets to seven games; they could very easily just decide to eat the cost, and he's firmly in his prime.

It might take a giant haul to land Jordan Kyrou, and perhaps the price was too steep for Brad Treliving.

But you can't blame him for trying.