The Leafs Need a Middle-Six Center and the Perfect Piece May Require a Deal with the Devils
Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in dire need of some help at the center position, and a deal with the Devils for Dawson Mercer makes a lot of sense.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of a shake-up after yet another disappointing playoff exit.
One area they've been trying to improve for a number of years is at the third-line center position. While they believed they had filled that hole at the trade deadline by acquiring Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers, he's appeared better suited for a fourth-line role.
The Leafs also missed out on veteran Jonathan Toews, who would've been a great fit down the middle, but chose to sign with his hometown Winnipeg Jets instead.
New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer could be an incredible fit for the Maple Leafs -- if he becomes available.
As per Julian Gaudio in his article "Three Players the Maple Leafs ShouldnTrade Away and Three Players They Should Trade for":
"The 23-year-old [Mercer] is two years removed from a 27-goal, 56-point campaign, but as he's lost some offensive output, he's gained defensive fortitude.
He's not a great faceoff center, but the Maple Leafs are lacking a right-handed center, and Mercer could fill that role. His versatility and penalty-killing ability would bode well in the Maple Leafs' middle six."
He's not a great faceoff center, but the Maple Leafs are lacking a right-handed center, and Mercer could fill that role. His versatility and penalty-killing ability would bode well in the Maple Leafs' middle six."
Dawson Mercer Would be the Perfect Depth Player for the Maple Leafs
Mercer is coming off of a quieter season offensively, with 36 points in 82 games, but he has rounded out into a reliable two-way player. His down year could have the Devils pondering a trade as they also look to improve.
His cap hit of just $4 million per season for the next two years is very manageable for a Maple Leafs team looking to re-sign key players like Matthew Knies and John Tavares.
While it's not confirmed that Mercer is on Toronto's radar, he should be. A young, cost-effective, and defensively responsible player like Mercer could be exactly what the Maple Leafs need to help bolster their depth down the middle. The fact that there's some upside there as well is a nice bonus.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 3627 ANSWERS The Leafs Need a Middle-Six Center and the Perfect Piece May Require a Deal with the Devils Should the Maple Leafs try and aquire Dawson Mercer as their 3C? | ||
| Yes | 1903 | 52.5 % |
| No | 1724 | 47.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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