Reduced Trade Protection Creates New Opportunity for Leafs to Acquire Feisty Forward
Photo credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
One of the Maple Leafs' top trade targets has become easier to acquire after his trade protection has been reduced this past summer.
After a wildly inconsistent start to the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are once again exploring the market for a top-six forward, and they may have circled back to a familiar name.
With Mitch Marner's departure leaving a major void in the lineup, Toronto's need for another dynamic offensive threat, ideally down the middle, has become impossible to ignore.
Across the league, several teams have stumbled out of the gate, which could open the door for trade opportunities -- and one name Leafs Nation has heard before is reportedly back on the radar: Brayden Schenn.
With less trade protection this season and a style of play that perfectly complements Toronto's north-south approach, Schenn would be an ideal fit, if the Leafs can make the pieces fit.
Schenn's tenacity, veteran leadership, and ability to drive play with seemingly any linemates make him exactly the kind of player the Leafs could use in their top six, but there's a catch.
Leafs Face Stiff Competition From Atlantic Division Rival For Top Trade Target
Unlike last year, when Toronto seemed to be leading the charge for Schenn, this time they're not alone. The Ottawa Senators have entered the conversation, and that complicates things in a big way.
Ottawa has more cap flexibility, better tradeable assets, and a deeper pool of prospects and picks than the Leafs do, which could create some problems for Brad Treliving.
Unless the Leafs plan to deal Easton Cowan or Ben Danford, moves that would come with long-term potential consequences, they're going to be hard-pressed to outbid other suitors.
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