Maple Leafs Reporter Not Buying What the Team is Selling: Another Move on the Way

According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, it may be premature to assume the Toronto Maple Leafs are finished building their forward group, even after comments from Brad Treliving suggest that they may not add another key player.

Despite the additions of Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua, there is still the sense that another move could be coming.

For the first time in several years, the Leafs have managed to add depth players who look like they can make a real impact. Roy and Joshua bring exactly what the Leafs have been missing: size, physicality, and the willingness to get to the hard areas of the ice.

These are the kinds of players who will thrive under new head coach Craig Berube, whose system demands a heavier, more grinding style. Maccelli, on the other hand, offers a different dimension, bringing creativity and playmaking ability that adds balance to Toronto's attack.

Still, questions remain about the top six. Toronto has long searched for another legitimate second-line center, someone who can complement Auston Matthews and John Tavares while providing stability down the middle. That type of addition could help the Leafs shift Tavares to the wing more frequently, play as the third-line center, or give the team much-needed insurance in case of injuries.

While it's unlikely a major trade will occur before or during training camp, general manager Brad Treliving has a history of acting early. Just last season, he dealt Timothy Liljegren early on, showing he's not afraid to move quickly if the opportunity is right, or if the fit isn't.

Mirtle points out that Treliving is constantly kicking tires and looking around the league. Right now, very few teams are in sell mode, with Pittsburgh being one of the rare exceptions. As the season unfolds, however, and the playoff picture sharpens by December or January, expect Toronto to revisit the market.

For now, the Leafs are stronger than they were in June, but it may only be a first step.