NHL Trades and Rumors
Insider Names 7 Centers Maple Leafs Looking At in Trade Buzz
TSN’s Darren Dreger talked about how the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for help down the middle to play behind Matthews and Tavares
On the latest episode of TSN’s NHL Insider Trading, Darren Dreger talked about how the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for help down the middle. It has been widely reported that the Maple Leafs are searching for another third-line center to play behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares, and now we have a bit of an idea of where they are looking.
Maple Leafs Center Options
Dreger mentioned that the Maple Leafs aren’t looking at the top stars available based on asking price and their cap situation, which takes them out of the running for players like J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, Mika Zibanejad, and Dylan Cozens.
However, it does put them into the category of depth centers that are on the trade block. Dreger shared his thoughts:
“Brock Nelson is interesting from the New York Islanders; there are a lot of teams that have interest in him. So, I think the group that the Toronto Maple Leafs have identified is a little more diverse.”
Dreger went on to suggest a few names that could be on GM Brad Treliving’s whiteboard ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline:
- Ryan Strome – Anaheim Ducks
- Ryan O’Reilly – Nashville Predators
- Scott Laughton – Philadelphia Flyers
- Mikael Granlund – San Jose Sharks
- Yanni Gourde – Seattle Kraken
- Nick Bjugstad – Utah Hockey Club
While listing the players above, he also provided a few notes about the asking price. Dreger pointed out that Laughton would require a first-round pick for the Flyers to consider moving him. O’Reilly has term on his contract, and a reunion would be interesting to see.
Gourde, Granlund, and Strome would be rentals, which may not be of interest to Treliving. However, if that is all he can get to help his team as they head into the playoffs, he may consider paying the asking price. But he would prefer someone with term if he needs to pay a larger price.
It looks like Treliving is actively looking for center help. This means the trade may come well before the deadline on March 7, 2025.
Next: Can Auston Matthews Carry the Maple Leafs Now That He’s Back?
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gfinale
January 8, 2025 at 3:53 am
It would be nice to see a study on how often rentals work out. measurements could include how much the player contributed beyond what the team already had and who else the team could have got instead as well as how often they extend with the team…at a reasonable or better price. As it stands, I’m inclined to think most of the time, they aren’t worth it.