Insider Reveals Asking Price for Toronto Maple Leafs' Prime Trade Target
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to add a big piece to their team though it's going to come at a cost, and one NHL Insider gave an idea of the price for one key forward.
It's been no secret that the Leafs want to add a piece or two at the deadline in order to make sure they are best suited for the playoffs. Amidst all the injuries they need to make sure that they have enough reinforcements in case things take a turn.
Several options are available on the market and while he has a wealth of players to choose from, Treliving needs to be careful that he adds the proper piece whilst not overpaying or handicapping Toronto's salary cap even more than it already is.
According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, one trade target the Leafs have been linked to in the past is going to come at a significant cost.
Rumors have swirled about Nelson and Toronto, and though it would be a good fit; will it be feasible?
If the Maple Leafs wanted to add a big piece to their lineup, there's no better addition than Nelson. Often flying under the radar compared to bigger names in the NHL, he's been one of the best offensive producers the past few seasons.
Blessed with a lightning quick release, he's grown to have a devastating backhand (sound familiar Leafs fans?) and has been one of the better faceoff winners over the past couple of seasons. He doesn't make mistakes, and always has the knack to be at the net to scoop in those rebounds.
Standing 6'4, he would suit Craig Berube and Brad Treliving's need to have big-bodied gritty players, but he would also add insane amounts of offensive production.
This season he's on a slower pace than usual with 10 goals and 11 assists in 40 games, but the past three seasons has had 34, 36, and 37-goal seasons. He's only missed the 20-goal mark three times, and stays out of the penalty box; something Toronto has an issue with at times.
The big caveat with Nelson is his price. With Toronto not owning a first-round pick for a loaded 2025 draft, it's going to be tough to convince New York to bite. Looking past that, there's also the $6M cap hit that comes attached.
Yes he's a UFA after this season, but can Toronto ask New York to take a deal without a first and ask for salary retention? It's almost an impossible ask and Toronto would need to part with top prospects or one or two of their bigger contracts to make it work.
Adding Brock Nelson to the Maple Leafs would be akin to when the team added Ryan O'Reilly back in 2022. The only problem though is they aren't dealing with a friendly Doug Armstrong, but a grizzled Lou Lamoriello who is going to try and maximize his return at any cost.
| POLL | ||
Should the Maple Leafs still try and go after Brock Nelson? | ||
