Maple Leafs Still in the Market for Impact Forward, Insider Drops New Clue

With the Toronto Maple Leafs making a slew of changes already, there's a lot of work still to be done but all things considered, if this lineup was put out today, they would be a formidable foe nonetheless. As strong as with Mitch Marner? No, but that's a tall ask.

The rumors around the team center on the fact the team has been adamant about adding a top-six forward but with the lack of assets and cap space, they are going to either need to get creative, or figure out if they wanna cut ties with some of their top prospects.

That's what David Pagnotta reinforced with his appearance on the Hello Hockey Podcast, explaining that the Maple Leafs are still searching for that top-six offensive punch, though added the team wants someone specific for the right-hand side of the ice:

It's the same we've heard for a bit, however it does give us an indication that Toronto would prefer a winger, leaving Nazem Kadri's name out of the picture (for now).

So who then would the Maple Leafs be privy to target on the right side?

A few names come to mind, but two that initially stick out are Anders Lee and Bryan Rust. The former is probably more or less a trade candidate when it comes to March's deadline, but for the right price, Rust can be had now, and he brings a fantastic resume.

Rust has years of experience playing with Sidney Crosby in the middle and I mean, you can't really get any better than that. Plus he's not just some sidekick to Crosby either, and is more than capable of putting up 20+ goals without him.

Granted he will have the added benefit of playing with Auston Matthews, and Matthew Knies so it isn't like he is hurting for elite players if he headed elsewhere.

He's also won two Stanley Cups and knows how to come through in big games, and might be the catalyst for pushing through the second round and making a Conference Finals appearance.

Rust, 33, had 65 points in 71 games (31 goals, 34 assists), his sixth straight season with 20 or more goals, and while he isn't that dynamic forward like Mitch Marner was, he's one of the most reliable and consistent options; that's what Toronto needs now, consistency.

So it might not be easy to pry him away from Pittsburgh, especially without any of the premium assets available, but you are dealing with Kyle Dubas.

Maybe a few of his old friends will be enough to persuade him.