Brad Treliving Urged To Secure Hidden Gem Center to Fix Leafs Third-Line Woes
The Maple Leafs need some stability down the middle, and one team who is currently in the middle of a terrible season could have the answer they're looking for.
It's no secret that Brad Treliving needs to get something done sooner or later. Whether it be through the free agent market and perhaps pick up someone like Jonathan Toews, or whether it's the vastly wide and open trade market, there will be at least one new face come March 7.
Their search for a third line center is one that has haunted them all season, and while Max Domi is decent enough, he's not the type of two-way player Toronto needs.
But with the Nashville Predators seemingly folding their hand this season and looking to part with veterans, Toronto could go after one sneaky but impactful player, and no; it's not Ryan O'Reilly.
Colton Sissons Would Be A Perfect Fit At A Discounted Rate
Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff wrote about Sissons in his article outlining potential Predators trade pieces:
With an AAV of $2.86 million and another year beyond this left on his deal, Sissons could be a bargain for two playoff runs for a team looking for a versatile middle/bottom-six forward.
Sissons' offense has dipped this season, as he is on pace for just 18 points after back to back 30-plus-point campaigns."
While Ryan O'Reilly could be considered the more favorable pick given his chemistry with Craig Berube and familiarity with the team, there's no denying Sissons offers much of the same value, at a younger and lesser cost.
He's only 31, he's 6'1, 200 pounds and still has a few good seasons left in him compared to O'Reilly who is reaching a critical point in his career.
Sissons adds fantastic defense combined with a great faceoff skillset, the ability to score 10-15 goals per season, doesn't take many penalties, throws a bunch of hits, and plays both the powerplay and penalty kill.
This season he has four goals and five assists for the lowly Predators, but has put together a fairly decent season thus far.
Sissons only costs $2.86M for this season and next, giving Toronto a cheap, reliable veteran during a time they need one the most.
Brad Treliving could do himself and his team a favor by acquiring Colton Sissons and give Toronto the reliable center they need without mortgaging the farm in the process.
