Report Suggests Maple Leafs Could Land Ideal 2nd-Line Center via Trade
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
A new report has surfaced that suggests the Maple Leafs could target a new second-line center in Vincent Trocheck, who might need a new place to play next season.
While the Maple Leafs figure out their best course of action for the 2025-26 season, GM Brad Treliving is going to scour the free agent and trade market in order to bring the right pieces to help out the presumed new-look Toronto squad.
Toronto needs to pounce on Vincent Trocheck if he becomes available
So if they really want to boost their lineup, then they need to keep an eye on the New York Rangers and center Vincent Trocheck.
A new report from Arthur Staple of The Athletic revealed that during the NHL Draft Combine this past weekend, the rumblings around the league is that GM Chris Drury doesn't have that many untouchables; and they want to shake it up too.
So if the Rangers wanna make some identity changes of their own, that could mean Trocheck is a potential candidate to be moved, and Brad Treliving needs to find out what price it'll take to acquire him.
Vincent Trocheck adds consistent two-way production
If you're looking for a player who would fit into the Craig Berube system, Trocheck fits the bill.
He's very good defensively, he has scored an average of 18.5 goals for his career, is uber-physical even if he's a bit smaller, and has some solid playoff production in a limited amount of experience.
While he is a little older at 31, Toronto isn't really a young team, and if they are able to get a huge boost offensively with the loss of Mitch Marner, they should jump on that opportunity.
The issue with him however is getting him here in the first place. He's still got three-years left on his deal at $5.625M per season; a bit of an investment but he fits in the win-now window.
He also has a full no-movement clause, however that goes to only a 12-team list once July 1 hits, so if the Rangers wait things out, they can find a deal much more easily.
Drury also isn't going to let things go for peanuts, and finding the right pieces in a slim asset pool is tough. If the team wanted to go all-in, they could end up trying to strike a deal that includes Chris Kreider.
That's a ton of money in older players, though it would completely transform the team no doubt. It's going to take a fortune, but if Toronto is willing to mortgage their future, they can get it done.
Here's how a deal might work:
To Toronto:
(C) Vincent Trocheck
(F) Chris Kreider
(F) Chris Kreider
To New York:
(F) Nick Robertson
(F) Bobby McMann
(D) Topi Niemala
2025 3rd Round Pick
2025 5th Round Pick (COL)
2027 2nd Round Pick
(F) Bobby McMann
(D) Topi Niemala
2025 3rd Round Pick
2025 5th Round Pick (COL)
2027 2nd Round Pick
While it seems like a ridiculous proposition, let's see why it could work for both teams.
We know what Trocheck will bring, and Kreider is a former 50-goal scorer who is looking for a bounce back season, and he's one of the NHL's most reliable scorers over the past few years.
New York gets Robertson off Toronto's books and gives them a top-six potential forward with a ton of potential. They also get Bobby McMann right as he breaks out; which might seem like a bummer but he's already 28.
Trading consistency and reliability for youth is a small price to pay, especially since we don't know if he can replicate his 2024-25 season output.
Niemala also finds a new home, and he would be an interesting prospect for Drury to find a spot for. He's never going to find a spot in Toronto, and he's still only 23 with a lot of offensive upside for a defenseman.
Toronto also has to give New York some sweeteners, and while it would be great for them to draft someone; their picks are better used getting people who can help now.
So it's a bit messy, and it's not a perfect deal, but if Treliving really wants to make a DNA change to the Maple Leafs, then maybe he needs to find a way to land some big fish from the Big Apple.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 384 ANSWERS Report Suggests Maple Leafs Could Land Ideal 2nd-Line Center via Trade Should the Maple Leafs try and acquire Vincent Trocheck? | ||
| Yes | 206 | 53.6 % |
| No | 178 | 46.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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