The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired a depth center thanks to a trade with the Vancouver Canucks involving prospects Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr.
After being placed on waivers just a couple of days ago, Aatu Räty has been acquired via trade. The Toronto Maple Leafs are acquiring the forward in exchange for Quillan and Buhr.
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Brandon Buhr is just five games into his career with the Toronto Marlies. The 24-year-old forward has logged two assists in his AHL rookie season and is someone who could be used as depth for the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate in Abbotsford.
As for Jacob Quillan, he ran out of room with the Maple Leafs. He had been called up on multiple occasions, but never truly impressed enough to stick around for the long haul.
Who is Aatu Räty?
Räty is a 6-foot-2 center who is 23 years old and was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders.
He played 12 games with the Islanders before eventually going to Vancouver, where he has split his time between the NHL and the AHL. He even won a Calder Cup with Abbotsford back in 2025.
Räty is more of a depth piece than anything else. Just two seasons ago, he logged 66 games and came through with 14 points. In 118 career games, he has 14 goals, 15 assists, and 29 points. Needless to say, not a player who is expected to rack up scoring titles.
However, the Maple Leafs have been looking for some depth as of late, and Räty does fill that hole down the center of the ice.
It remains to be seen whether or not the left-handed Finnish national will get some playing time with the Leafs here down the stretch.
However, there is no denying that this was a bold move by general manager John Chayka, who is throwing his weight around early.
Is this a good trade for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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