Brad Treliving Makes Final Decision on Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten's Trade Fate
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has only a few days to make a decision on who is bring in via a trade, but according to sources; he's not going to make a big splash.
Friday quickly approaches as the NHL Trade Deadline is nearly upon us. No doubt and exciting day, all eyes are going to be on Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving as he tries to navigate a wild market in order to add the right pieces.
But if Toronto is going to make a move, don't expect anything wild from Treliving.
According to Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun, Brad Treliving has an idea of what he wants to bring in, and it doesn't involve losing Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.
Holding onto his top prospects is definitely a smart call from Treliving, but can he get a deal done without them?
Toronto Needs Cheap Depth, Not Expensive Gambles
While it's all well and good that the Maple Leafs want to acquire a player like Brayden Schenn or Brock Nelson, but it's not necessarily a be all end all for Treliving.
There are several other choices like Scott Laughton, Jake Evans, and Nick Bjugstad if they wanted to shore up their forward depth and get the 3C they've needed, they can look to Michael Kesselring to add to their blue line, and could even make a play for someone like Detroit's Vladimir Tarasenko.
Toronto has a few picks to give up and their most valuable piece is potentially their 2nd rounder from Florida. Is that a fantastic pick? It's not a prime one no, but for a player like Laughton or Evans it's worth the price.
It's clear that the Maple Leafs want to add where it's needed, and they don't need to break the bank. But they need to do something and the team can't afford to sit on their hands either.
Toronto keeping hold of Cowan and Minten is a huge benefit as well, as Minten has already shown that he can play in the NHL and will most likely be on the big club next season.
Cowan is a bit more of a wild card but his offensive potential and the excitement factor alone he brings is going to draw even more eyes to the team.
The winning teams are proactive at the deadline, and while the move or moves the team makes might not turn some heads, it does turn their playoff chances from decent to solid.
Which could be just enough to get them over the hump and into the Stanley Cup.
