There's been online speculation that the Maple Leafs could circle back to a Zach Werenski trade with him instantly improving Toronto's mediocre blue line.
Over the summer, there was a lot discussion about the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets coming together to make a trade involving Matthew Knies and ZachWerenski after the latter seemed to want out of Columbus.
Though he says it was blown out of proportion, a tough start to the season may've had him questioning things a lot sooner than anticipated, and he could revisit a chance to leave and find a place that's a bit more competitive.
Maple Leafs circling back to a Werenski blockbuster
He would instantly improve the blue line of any team he goes to, and with the Toronto Maple Leafs needing a desperate upgrade on the back end, they would love to revisit those conversations - and they reportedly already are:
-
One source on social media - so take that with a few grains of salt - they have heard word Toronto will circle back to make another blockbuster with the Blue Jackets.
It would be the second time this season after the Maple Leafs traded Matthew Knies for Kirill Marchenko, and while it's worked out for Toronto thus far, their real issue lies on the blue line. It's going to be hard to see how they can afford him though considering that Knies wasn't able to move the needle previously.
Toronto mortgages their entire future for the chance to win now
Well, it would be unfortunate and the team is unwilling to give up premium assets unless it's for a game-changer - but Werenski is one of those players so here we are:
To Columbus:
(F) Easton Cowan
(D) Ben Danford
(F) Tyler Hopkins
(D) Morgan Rielly
2028 First-Round Pick (COL)
2028 Second-Round Pick
2029 First-Round Pick
To Toronto:
(D) Zach Werenski
(F) Danton Heinen
This package is ridiculous admittedly but hear me out. Toronto has to give up Cowan and Danford
full-stop, and Cowan is ready to be a top-six player in the NHL now.
Danford presents them with a young shutdown defensive prospect who can grow alongside Emil Andrae, Denton Mateychuk, Luca Marrelli and Charlie Elick.
Hopkins is a very solid prospect tearing up the OHL and could be soon on his way to the pro level, and gives Columbus a two-way centre.
Rielly heads for immediate lineup help, a stop-gap for Werenski, and to make money work going forward, plus he's expendable with Werenski coming in - same with Heinen coming over from the Blue Jackets.
The three picks are a lot to pay but if Toronto is truly hellbent on winning now, they are not interested it what could be later - but what can happen presently.
Toronto ends up paying a hefty fee for Werenski and they still need to find a new contract for him in a year which is another huge expense. With the chance to completely transform the lineup and a needle-mover potentially ready to be scooped up, that's a price John Chayka might be willing to pay.
Do you think the Maple Leafs have a genuine chance at acquiring Zach Werenski?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Darren Dreger pours cold water all over the Toronto Maple Leafs' trade plans