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Insider reveals the catalyst that could change Brad Treliving's plans

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Graham Montgomery
January 30, 2024  (8:36 PM)
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The Toronto Maple Leafs were expected by many to be one of the best teams in the NHL this season. While that has not been the case, the team should still make the playoffs, albeit as a 3rd team in the Atlantic.

Now we know more about the team's plans for the upcoming trade deadline. Chris Johnston was on TSN1050's FirstUp show this morning where he discussed the Leafs plans for the trade deadline. The insider acknowledged that it has been a difficult season for the team and noted that team management it aware of this. As such, Leafs fans should not expect the team to make any major moves according to Johnston.

Frank Corrado believes that this strategy is best for the Leafs. According to him, the Leafs have not been at their best this year and the team has not been good enough even when they were playing their best. To put it shorty, the Leafs should rerack and wait for another chance to be a true contender next season.

"It doesn't feel like this is the year" - Frank Corrado on the Leafs

One Factor That Could Make The Leafs Buyers At The Trade Deadline Revealed By Insider

Johnston did note however, that the Leafs could still be buyers in certain scenarios. He suggested that if the team were to suffer another key injury, it could force them to make a major move at the trade deadline.

"I don't know that its going to be a crazy busy deadline period. I think some of it to that we shouldn't overlook it tied to health. I mean, they've just lost now Calle Jarnkrok... those types of situations could force a decision"

He then gave the example of Calle Jarnkrok being out week-to-week after he broke a knuckle in practice.

While Jarnkrok is a depth player for the Leafs, he has proven to be especially important this season. The team already struggles with depth scoring so they will miss him. Luckily his injury coincides with the All-Star break, so he won't miss as many games as he otherwise would. As Johnston says though, a more significant injury could force Brad Treliving to make a move.

As seen on MapleLeafsDaily

Leafs' deadline activity heavily dependent on this one variable

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