Maple Leafs linked to Stanley Cup champion in budget-friendly deal
Photo credit: Steve Roberts Imagn Images
Continuing their search for a top-six forward, but with limited assets, the Leafs may be able to acquire a former Stanley Cup champion in a budget-friendly deal.
Limited in cap space, roster space and tradeable assets, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has had a difficult time acquiring a top-six forward or puck-moving defenseman.
While fans want the Leafs to enter a rebuild or re-tool, that doesn't appear to be an option with Treliving not willing to give up on the season just yet.
Instead of selling amid the Leafs' recent struggles, he made the decision to fire assistant coach Marc Savard, before replacing him with former Leafs forward Steve Sullivan.
Predators Veteran Forward A Fit in the Top-Six?
In Part 2 of his 'Trade Matchmaker' piece for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun revealed that Jonathan Marchessault could be an ideal fit for the Leafs at a low cost.
"One can argue the last thing the struggling Leafs need is another aging player. But hear me out. The Leafs don't have many assets to trade. For the Predators, this would be more about moving the remainder of the contract - three more seasons after this one at a $5.5 million cap hit. The Leafs would still have to trade assets, but it wouldn't be as costly as other trade targets they've looked at."
At 34, Marchessault isn't the same player he was when he won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights, but he would still give the Leafs a proven top-six forward alongside Auston Matthews.
Would Domi or Maccelli Head the Other Way?
Marchessault would have to waive his no-movement clause, but as LeBrun noted, the opportunity to play with Matthews or John Tavares could be enough to persuade him to head North.
In return, the Leafs could send Nashville Matias Maccelli or Max Domi, both of whom the Leafs are reportedly shopping and have struggled to find a role.
Should Nashville be open to the idea, their preferred choice would likely be Maccelli, given his age. Not to mention, he is two seasons removed from a 57-point season.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 491 ANSWERS Maple Leafs linked to Stanley Cup champion in budget-friendly deal Would you trade Maccelli or Domi for Marchessault? | ||
| Yes, something needs to change | 337 | 68.6 % |
| No, we don't need another slow forward | 154 | 31.4 % |
| List of polls | ||