Brad Treliving screws over the Toronto Maple Leafs by failing to acquire a superstar for pennies on the dollar

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Tom Banks
November 19, 2024 (3:01 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of many teams in on Martin Necas this off-season, and Brad Treliving's lack of aggressiveness has now seemingly cost them big time.

This past off-season, the Toronto Maple Leafs made some fantastic moves, adding the likes of Chris Tanev, Max Pacioretty, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz, with every single move seemingly paying off thus far.

However, there was one massive move that was available to make, and while the Maple Leafs were reportedly in on Martin Necas, they never made an aggressive push to land the rising star.

According to LeBrun, 28 teams inquired about Necas' services with different levels of interest. LeBrun reports that the league-leading Winnipeg Jets had a major interest, but Necas not wanting to sign a long-term deal in Winnipeg ended the trade discussions.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs were also involved, says LeBrun, but nothing ever came too close.

Unfortunately for Toronto, who need a long-term option down the middle with John Tavares hitting free agency this summer, the team didn't make a strong enough offer, and it looks even worse now.

Through 17 games this season, Necas has posted 11 goals and 30 points, ranking him in the upper echelon of scorers this season, and at 25 years of age, he's got an incredibly bright future.

This summer, he signed a two-year deal with the Hurricanes worth $6.5 million per season, and if the Maple Leafs so wanted, they could have made that happen, with Necas likely to give them incredible play to lead the way.

Ultimately though, Necas is now leading himself towards a massive $10 million or more AAV deal with his current play, and after Toronto and many other teams fumbled on his RFA status, he and the Hurricanes are being rewarded.