The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a dangerous situation as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, and while common wisdom dictates they should embrace a seller’s attitude, such a plan appears unlikely.
The Toronto Maple Leafs look to be sticking with their present squad, hoping to win a Stanley Cup despite obvious flaws in their defensive core and goaltender position.
Unfortunately, this stubborn approach may result in a quick exit from the playoffs, casting a shadow over Brad Treliving’s inaugural season as the general manager.
The decision to replace Kyle Dubas as the Leafs GM, despite assembling one of the most formidable rosters in recent history, has proven to be a fateful one. Rather than continuing the trend of appointing astute and youthful executives, the Leafs opted for Treliving, whose track record includes constructing merely average rosters that underperformed, evident as recently as last season.
While Dubas may not have steered the Leafs beyond the Second Round, he consistently provided the team with a competitive edge.
His excellent signings for the bottom six positions were nothing short of extraordinary, and there were signs that he was willing to revamp the roster in the next summer if given the opportunity. Regrettably, the present leadership has chosen to keep things as they are, leaving fans feeling stuck.
Given these problems, the Leafs must take decisive action. Whether it’s a significant boost to the current roster or a full revamp, the need to make strategic deals is clear. The franchise cannot afford to lose another season of Auston Matthews’ excellence, since he is unquestionably in the prime of his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
With this in mind, here are four players the Leafs should consider trading to catalyze the necessary changes.
