With less than 48 hours until the NHL trade deadline, fewer players remain available than at the start of the week. Some of the targets the Toronto Maple Leafs were after have either signed new contracts or were traded to other teams. However, while several players on Toronto’s trade board are gone, some remain. In terms of forwards, here’s who the Leafs continue to be interested in ahead of the trade deadline.
Which Forwards Remain On The Market?
Mikko Rantanen, Carolina Hurricanes
While it’s not a necessity for Toronto to add Rantanen, who couldn’t resist an opportunity to acquire the Carolina Hurricanes superstar. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said a long list of teams are in on Rantanen. However, in one of his latest articles, he highlighted the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings and the Maple Leafs as suitors. The right winger was traded to the Hurricanes from the Colorado Avalanche in a three-team deal that included the Chicago Blackhawks. In that deal, the Blackhawks retained 50 percent of Rantanen’s contract, meaning he only costs just over $4.6 million. Furthermore, with another retention, the former Stanley Cup champion could cost as low as $2.3 million.
Toronto’s Atlantic Division rivals Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers have made big moves. The Lightning acquired right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, along with a Leafs’ trade target and centre Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. In addition, the Panthers received defenceman Seth Jones in a trade with Chicago on Saturday. It’s Toronto’s turn to get in on the action, especially if they want to win the division. That’s where a Rantanen acquisition could send them over the top.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders
Toronto’s biggest need is a middle-six centre and Nelson of the New York Islanders is certainly that. As time winds down, the Leafs might need to make a strong push for the 33-year-old. The Leafs could use a boost of offence in the playoffs and Nelson would provide just that. The pending free agent has played 78 career playoff games and scored 27 goals and 50 points. His point total matches Toronto’s active leader, Mitch Marner who’s played 57 games.
There is lots of competition to acquire Nelson from teams all over the league. The Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Stars and Avalanche have all been interested in the forward. Therefore, the race for Long Island’s centre could result in an expensive price, potentially a first-round pick and more.
Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers
The Maple Leafs have danced around with Philadelphia Flyers centre Scott Laughton for weeks. This trade target is one that general manager Brad Treliving has spent a lot of energy on. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere set the price for Laughton long ago. He’s asking for a first-round pick or something equivalent to that. The latest rumblings suggest that Philadelphia want prospect Fraser Minten for Laughton, but Treliving is hesitant.
The 30-year-old would likely slot in as Toronto’s third-line centre and remain in that position for the rest of the season. While there is no guarantee, the Oakville, Ont. native might re-sign with the Leafs past this season given his roots. The truth is, the Maple Leafs don’t have many other options, Jake Evans extending with the Montreal Canadiens was a loss for Toronto.
Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
There haven’t been several teams interested in the captain of the St. Louis Blues. However, the Leafs are one of those few teams. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding this potential acquisition for Toronto and St. Louis. Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic said Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is “on the fence” about moving Schenn this season. He’s a valued member of their team and is a key leader for St. Louis. Furthermore, Schenn has a full no-trade clause this season, attached to his eight-year, $6.5-million contract. The 34-year-old is in the fifth year of that eight-year deal.
Not only is there a risk for the Leafs to give up a prospect for him, they’ll have to deal with that contract when he reaches the ages of 35, 36 and 37. Although the cap rises over the next three seasons, it’s a large chunk of the salary cap for an aging player.
Main Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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