4 Centres the Maple Leafs Ought to Goal in Trades – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Getting into the 2024-25 season, the centre depth of the Toronto Maple Leafs was manifestly skinny, and the absence of Auston Matthews attributable to an upper-body harm has exacerbated the difficulty. The Maple Leafs gained three of 4 residence video games with out Matthews within the lineup, however the crew scored just one five-on-five purpose throughout that stretch whereas particular groups have led the cost. For the reason that 2018-19 marketing campaign, the newly minted Toronto captain has led the league with 213 even-strength targets. The closest participant to Matthews over that span is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, who has 175 even-strength tallies in 18 extra appearances. 

John Tavares has been productive in a second-line position, compiling eight targets and 14 factors via 16 video games. The Maple Leafs experimented with him because the third-line pivot early within the season, and he carried out effectively in that capability. Nevertheless, William Nylander’s keep within the center didn’t final lengthy once more, and Max Domi has performed significantly better as a winger than a centre throughout his time within the group. Domi has been centring the highest line throughout Matthews’ absence, however he hasn’t earned some extent in 11 straight video games and doesn’t have a purpose in 21 regular-season outings courting again to final season. 

The Maple Leafs need assistance down the center, and there are a number of intriguing choices, whether or not the crew needs so as to add a middle-six possibility or bolster the underside six. 

Nelson Would Be a Nice Match

Brock Nelson’s $6 million cap hit and modified no-trade clause that features a 16-team no-trade listing make him a sophisticated participant to amass from the New York Islanders. Nonetheless, he could be a super ahead for the Maple Leafs as a second or third-line possibility. Nelson has surpassed the 30-goal plateau in three straight seasons whereas occupying a second-line centre position. In 2024-25, he has six markers, 9 factors, 50 photographs on the right track and a 54.5 faceoff profitable share. 

As a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), Nelson could possibly be a extremely sought-after participant forward of the March 7 commerce deadline if the Islanders fade from the playoff image. The crew has a 6-6-4 document via 16 video games. Neither aspect was in a rush to debate a contract extension earlier than the beginning of the season, which may enhance the chances of a possible transfer (from ‘Brock Nelson in no rush for an Islanders contract extension,’ The New York Publish, Sept. 25, 2024). 

Granlund Might Present a Center-Six Jolt

Mikael Granlund has been productive for the offensively-challenged San Jose Sharks since becoming a member of the crew in 2023-24. He topped the Sharks with 48 assists and 60 factors throughout 69 appearances final marketing campaign. By way of 17 contests this season, he leads the membership in targets (seven), assists (11), factors (18), power-play factors (seven), and photographs on purpose (57). 

Associated: Sharks Have Choices With Mikael Granlund

The 33-year-old ahead carries a $5 million cap hit and doesn’t have any commerce safety. His future with the Sharks is unsure, and it might make loads of sense for common supervisor (GM) Mike Grier to commerce the pending UFA to a contender (from ‘Granlund Commerce Deadline Determination Isn’t Minimize-And-Dry,’ San Jose Hockey Now, Nov. 8, 2024). Grier has already made one transfer with Leafs GM Brad Treliving this season, buying Timothy Liljegren for a 2025 third-round decide, a 2026 sixth-round choice and fellow blueliner Matt Benning on Nov. 4. Granlund could be a terrific middle-six addition for Toronto. 

Bjugstad Affords Underneath-The-Radar Upside

Nick Bjugstad could possibly be an intriguing acquisition nearer to the commerce deadline. He’s off to a sluggish begin after lacking the primary eight video games of 2024-25 due to an upper-body harm. Nevertheless, he loved loads of success in 2023-24 whereas serving as a top-six centre between Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. The 32-year-old Bjugstad notched 22 targets and 23 assists in 76 outings final marketing campaign, together with 9 tallies and 14 factors in his remaining 15 appearances. He additionally has surpassed 100 hits in three straight seasons. 

He’s again on the primary line for Utah Hockey Membership, presumably to showcase his skills for different groups for a possible commerce. He solely has a $2.1 million cap hit, is eligible for unrestricted free company in the summertime, and has no clauses to restrict a transfer. Bjugstad is a flexible, bodily centre able to taking part in up and down the lineup, making him a compelling goal for the Maple Leafs. He additionally has loads of measurement, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 209 kilos.

Gourde Would Add Depth to the Backside Six

Yanni Gourde has been trending within the flawed course, however a change of surroundings may do him some good. He flirted with the 50-point mark for consecutive seasons earlier than slipping to 33 factors over 80 video games in 2023-24. The 32-year-old pivot has 4 assists, 30 penalty minutes, and 25 hits in 16 contests this marketing campaign. 

Gourde is a pending UFA with a 5,166,667 million cap hit and a 23-team commerce listing. He could possibly be dealt elsewhere in a cost-cutting transfer by the Seattle Kraken earlier than the commerce deadline. His confirmed playoff pedigree, together with 20 targets and 42 factors in 83 video games and two Stanley Cup rings, will possible make him a preferred commerce goal. Gourde is a bodily participant regardless of standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 174 kilos. He may slot in properly on Toronto’s third line. 

Including One other Centre Ought to Be a Precedence

The Maple Leafs might want to liberate some cap area to make strikes, however that’s an impediment that hasn’t prevented strikes from taking place throughout the NHL in earlier seasons. The crew prioritized the again finish and goaltending in the course of the summer time, and the outcomes have been fruitful. Nevertheless, the ahead group wants consideration main into the postseason, and Toronto ought to be within the combine for depth down the center.