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Analyst: Maple Leafs Deadline Splash is Trading Cowan or Minten
Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne believes the Maple Leafs will have to trade one of Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan to have a winning trade deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a race with other tough competitors where almost anyone can not just make the playoffs but win. In the Eastern Conference, there are still several teams in the mix, making this year’s trade deadline a crucial opportunity to make a move and gain a competitive advantage. According to Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne, a minor deadline approach won’t cut it. That’s why he argues the Maple Leafs should consider trading one of Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan.
Instead of adding bottom-six grinders or a depth defenseman, Bourne contends the Leafs need to aim for a bigger move. To do so, the Leafs would have to give to get. “It’s a Weird Year, without any clear favourites, and the Leafs have as good a chance as any other team. They need to separate themselves with a bigger move,” he writes.
Why Minten or Cowan in a Trade?
Bourne argues that Minten has already proven he can play at the NHL level. That will make him an attractive option for other teams and his high draft pedigree (drafted 38th overall in 2022) has value.
Minten plays a responsible two-way game that tracks to make him a high-end third-line center. Because he could make an immediate NHL impact, sellers might prefer him over other options at the deadline.
Cowan has yet to make his NHL debut, but he’s got a ton of potential. The 2023 first-round pick is lighting up the OHL with the London Knights. His offensive upside is something teams would be attracted to. Teams looking for more of a long-term project with real potential might see Cowan as a fit.
Are the Leafs Prepared to Do What It Takes to Make a Deadline Splash?
The Leafs don’t have an abundance of assets to work with, so if they’re serious about making a major deadline splash, one of these prospects may have to be the price.
Bourne also predicted that Nick Robertson will be traded, but that defenseman Morgan Rielly isn’t going anywhere. “Yup, he’s not been great so far this year. But he’s got more to give, and he’s going to be a part of the club, so let’s move on from that option.,” Bourne writes.
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