Failed Trade Leaks Publicly Between the Maple Leafs and the Flyers Involving Two Major Pieces
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a potential deal in place to acquire a couple of strong pieces a few seasons ago as their names have popped back up recently.
Brad Treliving has a lot of names that he has to go through in order to find the best fit for his roster. Seeing some of his targets head elsewhere is frustrating no doubt, however there are still pieces who can make a difference come playoff time.
Though they may not be in this situation had they made a deal or two previously.
It was reported from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period that the Maple Leafs could have had a deal in place for Rasmus Ristolainen and have had several ties to Laughton:
They've liked them for that long, they've liked Ristolainen. Ristolainen has gotten a bad rap from his days in Buffalo when he was still trying to figure out his game.
Since he got to Philly, he's been a hell of a lot better, he's been really good. But from a fan base perspective, that reputation followed him and it hasn't been complimentary.
But he's been a very steady defenseman for that group, and they haven't been great.
You put him in a strong and more competitive environment on a contending team, I think he definitely strengthens the blue line.
Toronto having interest in the two players isn't surprising, but with Ristolainen becoming a much more improved defender, he should be given a chance to succeed and win.
Toronto Should Splurge For Package Deal Involving Laughton and Ristolainen
Just get the deal done. Toronto has too many glaring holes to fill with individual deals, and need to splurge in order to get things they need. If it takes Fraser Minten, their 2026 first and maybe their 2025 second rounder? Go for it.
It will hurt yes, but Toronto is in the best position to win than they've had in decades, and it'll be another failed year if they do nothing substantial.
Laughton can be the 3C the team desperately seeks, and Ristolainen can give Toronto a legitimate Top 4 with Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, and Jake McCabe.
Both men have term, and it gives Toronto a bit more stability as the questions around John Tavares and Mitch Marner remain, and with this being the potential last year for the Core Four, they need to go all out.
Captain Auston Matthews wants them to add, every analyst under the sun is expecting them to make a deal and they have the assets to get something done.
But if they sit on their hands, or not make the move that puts them over the top...look for some big changes come May; even more than last year.
