Two players linked to Maple Leafs as they look to possibly make a big splash at the trade deadline
The Maple Leafs could be looking to make a big splash at the trade deadline, and Ryan O'Reilly and Colton Parayko have been linked to the team.
Toronto Maple Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel provided solid reasons in 'The Athletic' today as to why the team should make a splash at the trade deadline.
With gaps in the lineup and an Eastern Conference battle that's more open than it's been in some time, it may be the moment to strike.
Siegel identifies two glaring needs: a reliable third-line center and a right-handed top-four defenseman.
While the Leafs have right-shot defensemen in Chris Tanev, Jani Hakanpaa (injured), Conor Timmins, and Philippe Myers, only Tanev really qualifies as a top-four fit.
Rather than stopgap options like Luke Schenn or David Savard, Siegel suggests pursuing Colton Parayko.
The St. Louis Blues' defenseman plays over 24 minutes per game, has 12 goals in 55 games, and offers shot-blocking and intimidation. Unfortunately, his full no-trade clause is a hurdle.
O'Reilly is familiar with Toronto and has a reasonable cap hit
For a third-line center, Siegel sounds out Ryan O'Reilly as an interesting option. The former Leaf, now with the Nashville Predators, has a reasonable $4.5M cap hit through 2026-27 and is not under any trade protection.
A step up from last year's playoff-failing Pontus Holmberg is essential to Toronto's depth.
The million-dollar question: Are the Leafs prepared to trade away high-end prospects such as Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, or Ben Danford, as well as their 2026 first-round draft pick?
Toronto has been reluctant, but Siegel believes that to truly make a difference, there needs to be some bold action.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
