Maple Leaf Scouts Increasing Workload Ahead of Deadline

PUBLICATION

Pat Quinn
February 17, 2024 (11:06)

SHARE THIS STORY

With the NHL trade deadline approaching the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in a wild card position lining up for a clash as the road squad against the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, or New York Rangers. The Leafs should really be in a better position than they are but a lot of this season, aside from Matthews' scoring, has not been where many envisioned them to be.

Leafs Scouts Increasing as the Deadline Approaches

Reports out there that Maple Leaf scouts have been ever increasing at other teams' games. Toronto had representatives on Thursday night at the Seattle Kraken versus Boston Bruins game and the Chicago Blackhawks against the Pittsburgh Penguins game.

Toronto is seemingly in the market for spots all over the roster. From the top six, to the bottom six, to another defenseman, and possibly even a goalie.

At this time of year, and with how tight the standings are, all teams tend to have an abundance of scouts at buildings, but this whole season has just felt like Toronto is going to do something. Especially since the teams' four big UFA signings have really not worked out very well in Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, Ryan Reaves, and John Klingberg.

Treliving's interest and what can be offered

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been scouting the 2023-24 season cellar dweller Chicago Blackhawks quite a bit this season. The Blackhawks have a few UFAs this season in Tyler Johnson and Colin Blackwell (who the Leafs already know), up front. On defence Jarred Tinordi could add some penalty killing and toughness as well.

In regards to the other four teams, it is highly unlikely the Leafs and Bruins would work out a deal, and things are likely still quite frosty between the Leafs organization and Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh. That just leaves the Kraken and the previously described Blackhawks.

If the Kraken are out and decide to sell the team has some interesting UFAs up front in Jordan Eberle, Alex Wennberg, Tomas Tartar, and Pierre-Édouard Bellemare. On defence the team may be inclined to ask about Juston Schultz but he really does not seem to fit the Leafs needs right now.

As Read On Maple Leafs Daily - Leafs GM Brad Treliving using every resource at his disposal to ensure that he finds the right deadline pieces