Brad Treliving Could Solve Two Major Problems with One Trade After Elliotte Friedman's Report
With the Maple Leafs looking to add defense and a third line center, they could double dip by adding not only their coveted center, but a behemoth blueline together.
Though the team is currently riding a three-game winning streak and ended up stretching their lead in the Atlantic Division, there is always room for improvement and given their latest injury issues, it might be a necessity to make a deal.
A third line center is a top priority for Brad Treliving however there's always the ability to add to his strengths and bring in a potential blueliner to help out Morgan Rielly worry less about defense and focus on his offensive output.
But NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet's 'The FAN Show' that the Maple Leafs could end up killing two birds with one stone, and not only shore up their middle depth, but add a hulking defenseman in the process.
Yanni Gourde And Jamie Oleksiak Make Toronto Complete
There couldn't be any bigger difference between Gourde and Oleksiak. The former stands 5'9, 175 pounds meanwhile the latter stands 6'7, 257 pounds, but they both offer the same amount of tireless energy and the scrappiness Toronto has been known for this season.
Adding Gourde to the third line in between Max Domi and Bobby McMann would add a defensively sound offensive threat who wins faceoffs, will hit everything that moves, and would offer Toronto much more depth; especially given their uneasy injury history.
This season with Seattle he has six goals and 10 assists but adds 58 hits, 26 blocks and a 50% faceoff win percentage.
He's also a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, a proven playoff producer, and has that clutch gene in him with 27 career game-winning goals plus an additional five GWG in the playoffs.
Oleksiak would add some severe defensive help to a blueline that has been much improved but still has a couple of holes; mainly Morgan Rielly's defense.
While he isn't hitting as much as he normally does, he already has 102 blocks and would give Toronto potentially two elite shutdown pairs, especially if Rielly can learn from Oleksiak as well.
This year with the Kraken he has three goals and six assists along with those 102 blocks, 39 hits, and only 12 PIM; a sore spot for the Leafs. It would also bring Oleksiak back home as he's direct from the Six.
The issues that come with both players happen to be of course, financial in nature. Oleksiak and Gourde make a combined $9.717M for this season, and while they do lose Gourde's deal at season's end, they would be responsible for another year of Oleksiak unless they decide to deal him elsewhere.
It's certainly a dream that Toronto could solve all of their issues with one simple trade, but if there's anyone who can do it, it's the ever aggressive and savvy Brad Treliving, who will find a way to make a deal happen one way or another.
