Insider Believes Maple Leafs Are Seeking Center With Term

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are seeking a center with term. The well-known insider appeared on The Fan Hockey Show on Sportsnet with Anna Dua and Mike Futa and mentioned the idea that the Leafs are trying to improve their roster but would prefer to add a player who is not a rental.

“I think their preference is the term. That’s one thing I’ve heard out there is that preference is term.”

It has been reported since the start of the season that GM Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs are looking to add another center—ideally, someone who can slot in behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares as the third-line center.

Friedman also commented on the search for a center, saying:

“I think that’s the number one thing that he’s [Treliving] been looking for all season.”

Additionally, it has been reported that if the Maple Leafs showed interest in Seattle Kraken’s Yanni Gourde, he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, the main challenge is that he doesn’t have term left on his deal; he would only be a rental.

Who Might the Maple Leafs Be Looking at as Trade Targets?

Treliving and his team of pro scouts are likely compiling a list of centers with term that they could target. Here are a few names they may consider ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, 2025.

• Scott Laughton: $3M/2YRS
• Barclay Goodrow: $3.6M/3YRS
• Ryan Donato: $2M/1YR
• Sean Kuraly: $2.5M/1YR
• Colton Sissons: $2.8M/2YR
• Nick Bjugstad: $2.1M/1YR

The six players listed above are reliable defensive centers who bring some offensive upside to help the Maple Leafs down the stretch.

There are other options that the Maple Leafs can pursue, such as Mikael Granlund from the San Jose Sharks. Or even Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders. However, the next tier of players comes with higher cap hits that could make it a challenge for Toronto to afford.

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