Maple Leafs could bring in the most hated player in the NHL to replace Bertuzzi

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Tom Banks
August 12, 2024 (1:21 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a big time need in their forward group, and they may now turn to one of the league's most hated players to fill that void.

After failing once again in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bolster their roster ahead of another potential Stanley Cup run, and they may have another move or two in them after a productive summer from Brad Treliving. In a surprising twist, the team have now been linked to a fierce rival in the form of Nick Cousins, who is widely regarded as one of, if not the most hated player in the NHL.

Not only is he hated by most around the league, but he's especially been a thorn in the side of the Maple Leafs in recent years, including this OT winner in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

However, the team now have a need down the middle with their third-line center role currently up in the air, and given that Cousins brings the type of grit that this team needs, it could be a shocking match made in heaven. As it stands, Cousins remains one of the most intriguing free agents left in the league, and with few teams looking at a player like this, the Maple Leafs could cash in and get him for cheap, so if they don't opt to move John Tavares to the 3C role, expect them to take a long, hard look at Cousins.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Nick Cousins among several forwards that could replace Tyler Bertuzzi in Toronto