Maple Leafs to Reportedly Circle Back With Interest in Top-Six Trade Target in Central Division

Considering GM Brad Treliving is still looking to add to his top-6 forward group, there's one particular player that could find himself to be available through the trade market, and that player has been previously linked to the Leafs. I am, of course, talking about Martin Necas.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period mentioned a few days ago that the Colorado Avalanche are attempting to sign the forward to a long-term deal, and while conversations are fluid, nothing is on the horizon.

The Avalanche acquired Necas ahead of last year's trade deadline when they moved Mikko Rantanen in the midst of stalled contract negotiations. Fast forward less than a calendar year and we're back in a similar situation.

Considering the contracts that similar players are signing with the cap growing, Pagnotta believes Necas is looking for at least $10 million AAV, which could be a problem for the Avalanche. The Leafs, who have $24M in cap space available next summer, can certainly handle that sort of a deal.

The problem is the impending extension for Cale Makar, who, according to NHL reporter James Murphy, could reach a deal upwards of $17 million in 2027, when they are projected to have $27 million to play with.

Murphy believes that if the Avs move Necas, Toronto will be apart of the mix alongside the New York Rangers.

However, the issue will be that Colorado will be in the business of acquiring roster players, which the Leafs don't have to offer. Any trade package would have to start with Easton Cowan and one of their prized draft selections remaining in 2027 or 2028.

It would certainly not be worth the risk if Necas came in as a rental as Murphy initially suggests. While the Leafs could theoretically fit a contract extension in their books beyond 2025-26, trading their top prospect, who is currently playing on an ELC, for a player who is not entirely committed to a team right now might be too rich for their blood.