Report on Avalanche Star Winger Sparks Trade Possibility for Maple Leafs

With reports circulating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to add a top-six forward to their ranks, there are a few options the team can pursue who would not only add that punch up front, but hopefully help fans forget about the loss of Mitch Marner.

Linked to players such as Jordan Kyrou and Nazem Kadri, the team is going to be working diligently on during the dog days of summer in order to bring in the best fit for Craig Berube.

However, a new report from NHL Chris Johnston shows that perhaps they can head over to the Central Division and see what Colorado would take for Martin Necas.

Speaking on his podcast The CJ Show, Johnston mentioned that Necas has come up in trade rumors due to the combination of his contract, and that if Colorado is serious about winning; they may want to upgrade on him:

It would be tough to see the Avalanche making an upgrade over Necas, a player who exploded for 83 points last season between Carolina and Colorado, though there were earlier reports that he wasn't necessarily a great fit overall.

Acquired by Colorado as part of the massive Mikko Rantanen blockbuster, Necas scored 28 points in 30 games, while adding five points in seven postseason contests.

Necas, 26, drafted 12th overall by the Hurricanes in 2017 and has put up 326 points in 441 games (124 goals, 202 assists).

Adding a stellar playmaking dynamic to the top line, it might feel as if Marner never left if the team were to acquire Necas; and with only a year away from free agency, Toronto could potentially bring him in as a sort of audition and help him cash in next season.

It's a long shot though, as Colorado signalling they want to improve leaves little room for Toronto to trade someone, and their stars are seemingly untouchable.

But for now, if Necas is available then Brad Treliving needs to keep his eyes and ears open for a potential blockbuster.