Insider Reveals Leafs' Attempt to Acquire Third Forward in O'Reilly Trade with Blues

The Leafs made a massive deal when they acquired Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari from the St. Louis Blues. However, it looks like they wanted even more in the deal.

Leafs Tried to Acquire Another Player

The Leafs were able to fill two needs with this trade. They added a top-six two-way presence, and a hard-hitting bottom-six centre. This has made their deadline a success already, although many expect another move is coming.

It does appear, per Elliotte Friedman, however, that the Leafs tried to get a third player in the deal with St. Louis.


Ivan Barbashev is young, skilled, and cap-controlled, and could have been a great piece for the Leafs to get.

It wouldn't have been a cheap acquisition, but it would have been impactful.


They may have already had a great deadline, but imagine if they had also pulled off Ivan Barbashev!

We will see if Kyle Dubas and the Leafs did enough to make it deep into the playoffs.

Source: Maple Leafs Insider