Devils Michael McLeod available for Maple Leafs bottom-six role

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
December 31, 2023 (5:36 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs must make many changes to their roster if they hope to get past the second round of the playoffs.

Between the pipes, the blue line, and the bottom-six all need reinforcements, and Brad Treliving currently shines by his inactivity. A new option to bolster the team's bottom-six emerged from New Jersey, where the Devils placed a former first-round pick available on the trade market.

The New Jersey Devils haven't been performing up to the high expectations set for the team at the start of the season. After a breakout season last year, they failed to keep the same level this season.

Goaltender inconsistency and injuries to key players, notably Dougie Hamilton, may have sunk the Devils' season. However, it's not too late for them. The race in the Metropolitan Division is tight, and they could get back in a playoff spot if they find their rhythm.

To do so, the Devils' GM, Thomas Fitzgerald, decided to shake things up by placing a surprising player on the trade block.

Michael McLeod would be a great addition to the Leafs. Currently playing the best hockey of his career, he could bring what's missing in Toronto's bottom-six.

However, his value has never been higher. Considering the Devils' need to add a talented goalie, they could opt to trade him where a top goalie is available. Unfortunately, that's not Toronto's case.

"The truth of the matter is that McLeod's value has never been higher. He's playing in an elevated role on New Jersey's third line this season. Further, in the absence of New Jersey's captain, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes early in the year, McLeod impressed while skating in the top six. Plus, his low-cost, short-term contract gives buyers flexibility.

The 25-year-old already has three more goals than his total in all of last season. He is just two shy of his career-high (nine) with 47 games remaining in 2023-24. He's on track to set career highs in goals and points pro-rated over an 82-game season."

McLeod is the kind of guy that could interest many teams, and it's not certain at all that the Leafs can even compete with other organizations in that derby, but we never know what kind of surprise Treliving has in store for us.

Do you think Treliving should target McLeod on the trade market?

As seen on Markerzone - MAJOR: Devils First-Round Pick Officially Available for Trade