Maple Leafs Ready to Make A Splash and it Could Be in the Form of a Steven Stamkos Trade
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs are reportedly intensifying their efforts on the trade front to land a top-six forward, and Steven Stamkos could be a target after the latest report.
A 5-5-1 record through October has the Maple Leafs searching for answers. Auston Matthews has scored just once in the last six games and has recorded just two points.
While John Tavares, Max Domi and Matthew Knies have helped offensively, without William Nylander, who was held out of Tuesday's game, the Leafs' top-six could really use some bolstering.
MLSE Gives Brad Treliving the Green Light
Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been open about his efforts to land another top-six forward, even being given the green light by MLSE CEO Keith Pelley to swing big to get one.
Unfortunately, Treliving has had no success in his search thus far and is even having a hard time trying to deal one of his many bottom-six forwards.
Maple Leafs to Increase Efforts Hoping to Make a Deal
According to 'The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, who appeared on 'Daily Faceoff Live' on Wednesday afternoon, Treliving is going to look to accomplish both in short order, specifically looking for help down the middle.
Is A Struggling Steven Stamkos the Answer?
Steven Stamkos turned down a contract from the Leafs during free agency in 2016, opting to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While he won two Stanley Cups in Tampa, the 35-year-old is struggling to begin the season with just a goal and an assist in 11 games in his second season in Nashville.
His slow start has led to questions surrounding his future in Nashville, with 'The Hockey News' Adam Proteau suggesting the Leafs may be a team he is willing to waive his no-trade clause for.
Adding Stamkos will give the Leafs another prolific goal-scorer in their top-six, who can play center. However, if the Leafs want or expect more offense from Matthews, in my opinion, former Leafs forward Nazem Kadri is the better option.
A fan-favourite, Kadri can play in all situations, provide offense and brings the 'snot' that Treliving and head coach Craig Berube want.
The asking price for either will be high, especially given that the Leafs will need salary retention in the deal, but if I had to pick, I would rather bring back Kadri, no hesitation.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 30 | 921 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Ready to Make A Splash and it Could Be in the Form of a Steven Stamkos Trade Which veteran forward would be better fit for the Leafs? | ||
| Stamkos | 306 | 33.2 % |
| Kadri | 615 | 66.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
