Insider Reveals His Top Trade Target for the Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Insider Mike Johnson recently spoke about who he believes is his top trade target for the Maple Leafs as the NHL Trade Deadline slowly creeps up on the team.
Given that Brad Treliving has his sights set on acquiring a third-line center, he has to be wary that he doesn't overpay or end up bringing in a ill-fitting piece that ends up costing them instead of assisting them.
There are several options available on the market from the superstar to the underrated, and while a lot of suitable players could fit the Maple Leafs, with such a tight playoff race, it's hard to determine if team's are buying, selling, or staying put.
But NHL Insider Mike Johnson has an inkling over who he thinks would be the best fit, and it happens to be an old familiar face.
Ryan O'Reilly Is The Perfect Fit For The Toronto Maple Leafs
Johnson appeared on TSN's FirstUp show and gave his insights into why O'Reilly would be the best person available for Brad Treliving:
We know that he has a very strong relationship with the coach and the system, and has won doing it this way before.
He might be my number one choice ... the way they're going right now, he would be number one for me, and then probably any more the playoffs would seem really attractive."
It's also no secret that O'Reilly helped Toronto win their first playoff series since 2004 back in 2022, and although he had a rocky falling out with the team, former management and coaching is gone, and he could have a fresh start and get accustomed quickly to his "new" team.
Having won a Stanley Cup with Craig Berube in 2018-19, O'Reilly is the perfect addition for the Maple Leafs as he has all the tools they need.
Winning faceoffs? He's got it.
Scoring depth? He's still capable of putting up points; this season he has 12 goals and 13 assists for the struggling Predators.
Grit, big-bodied, tough and willing to block a few shots? Bingo.
Not to mention his playoff production, where he has 67 points in 81 games including a 23-point outburst the year he won.
The only caveat to O'Reilly would be his contract however he is only $4.5M which is a workable salary amount, and he is still under contract for another two years; another big checkmark.
While it may take some convincing for Barry Trotz to let him go, there's too many obstacles in Nashville's way to make a playoff push, and getting rid of O'Reilly may be a good step towards figuring out their future, but it helps Toronto now when it matters most.
