TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was recently chatting with the hosts of TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto and the discussion turned to what the Toronto Maple Leafs might have available for options.
Craig Custance had recently reported that the Maple Leafs might look to Alexandar Georgiev out of the Rangers organization or trade Jeremy Bracco from their own depth of prospects but one option LeBrun noted the Maple Leafs should look at was someone who he believes NHL teams will see as a buy low option.
LeBrun sees the Blue Jackets Josh Anderson as a good fit in Toronto. While Anderson has been injured and he adds there is indication from the Columbus side of things to move the forward, Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas might want to inquire.
Related: Calgary News: Flames Not Thrilled With Johnny Gaudreau, Extend Andersson
LeBrun says:
“If I were the Leafs, (Josh Anderson) is a guy – with his skills set – it’s one thing to be able to grind it up and be a physical player, but he’s also a guy I believe that can score 25 goals a year in the National Hockey League when he gets his game right.”
How Low Is Buy Low on Anderson?
The Maple Leafs have a number of needs including a desire to address their blue line and the backup goaltending position. As such, they can’t afford to spend much on their forward corps, even if team toughness is something the team also needs.
Anderson would need to be inexpensive to acquire and should be, because of the risk associated to his not having played much of the season.
“He’s an RFA at the end of the year, he’s had contentious negotiations with Columbus in the past..” LeBrun said Anderson is a guy that can score 25 goals in the NHL but was not very good before he got injured. “Jarmo Kekalainen wasn’t born yesterday either,”LeBrun added.
Remember, this is just LeBrun spit-balling an idea but one has to wonder if Dubas is listening.
Related: Let’s NHL Trade Talk: Should Sharks Trade Joe Thornton?
