Insider Takes Another Candidate Out of the Running for the Maple Leafs with Latest Report
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
One veteran forward who recently emerged as a viable candidate for the Leafs appears to be disinterested in waiving his no-trade clause to come to Toronto.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs once again failed to make a deep playoff run, the urgency for change within the organization has never been greater - especially under the leadership of GM Brad Treliving.
With Mitch Marner all but certain to leave this offseason, Toronto is expected to have significant cap space to reshape its roster.
Recently, TSN's Aaron Korolnek suggested that the Leafs should take a run at acquiring Jonathan Marchessault, a player some believe could be a perfect fit in Toronto. However, a new report suggests Marchessault would accept a trade to Toronto at all.
According to NHL Watcher on X, referencing Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast:
"Friedman on 32TP says Marchessault is open to a trade, but the list of teams he'd go to is real small. Marchessault is real blunt and honest and that hasn't really gone over well. He's gone from a no tax state to a no tax state, any trade would have to be to another no tax state."
Jonathan Marchessault Not a Realistic Candidate for Toronto
Ontario's high tax rates cannot compete with the no-tax States, such as Florida and Texas. Therefore, the Leafs will have to look elsewhere to shore up their forward group.
Despite the uncertainty, Marchessault remained productive in his first year with the Nashville Predators, putting up 56 points in 78 games - though he finished with a troubling -29 rating.
Meanwhile, Sam Bennett remains very much in the mix for the Maple Leafs. The pending UFA is seen as an ideal addition - a gritty, playoff-tested forward who can score, hit, and elevate his play when it matters most. Toronto is rumoured to be among the frontrunners to land him.
Whether or not Marchessault is off the table, one thing is clear; the Maple Leafs are in need of significant roster changes, and the current core has not delivered. Toronto's hunger for a deep playoff run is only growing - and time is running out.
| POLL | ||
MAI 31 | 5018 ANSWERS Insider Takes Another Candidate Out of the Running for the Maple Leafs with Latest Report Would Jonathan Marchessault have been a good addition to the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 2849 | 56.8 % |
| No | 2169 | 43.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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