Matias Maccelli could help the Leafs land a long-term top-six piece for the future

A major name has emerged as a potential trade option, and could open up a high level of bidding across the league that would be worthwhile for the Leafs to enter into.

According to a report from David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period', the Winnipeg Jets are willing to entertain discussions centered around young center Cole Perfetti.

Perfetti, 24, has just 14 points in 34 games this season for Winnipeg, who sit tied for last place in the Central Division just a season after winning the Presidents Trophy.

Pagnotta reports that the Jets desire would be rather to keep Perfetti than to trade him, but he could be a potential trade chip if the Jets can add some youth back coming the other way.

A 10th overall pick of the Jets in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Perfetti has dealt with injuries and a struggling Winnipeg team hurting offensively a year after a breakout 50-point season, something that could broker a change of scenery.

Cole Perfetti would have immense interest from across the NHL despite a scoring regression for his age and top-six upside, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are one team that would be wise to keep tabs on him.

Although not the biggest or most physical player, Perfetti could be a reclamation option for Toronto as was the case when the Leafs acquired Matias Maccelli this past offseason, and Maccelli could make sense in a deal.

Maccelli and Perfetti could swap positions on the left wing, both providing youth energy as well as offense, with both players able to produce more.

Just Maccelli alone is unlikely to make a deal happen. Both players are on an expiring contract and Maccelli would have more value with some additional term.

If Maccelli were to be extended before being dealt, it could make a deal more intriguing on Winnipeg's end, but would likely still cost more for Toronto to acquire.

For a young forward who has produced at a 50-point pace sselling low, a first round pick or a top prospect may be of an ask. The Leafs don't have a first until 2028, unlikely Winnipeg's timeline to wait for picks.

Easton Cowan may be too rich for the Leafs to give up, but a deal of Maccelli & Danford and/or a second depending on if Maccelli resigns could be a potential idea of a framework.

Likely to still be of a sizable cost, Cole Perfetti could be a high-reward reclamation project, and one that is a major boost to the Leafs top-six.

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