Leafs Need to Take Advantage of Struggling Team Following a New Report From Insider Pierre Lebrun
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the potential to be buyers with a basement team appearing to be sellers.
According to TSN Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, the Nashville Predators are "open for business", the bottom dweller team looking poised to move assets as the team struggles despite a high-priced free agency spend.
The Nashville Predators spent heavily this past offseason, penning Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, & Brady Skjei to multi-year contracts, as well as signing All-Star goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension.
They also moved former first round pick and top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov to the San Jose Sharks, planning for a quick turnaround but still finding themselves in the league's basement with a 7-12-5 record, their 19 points tied for second worst in the NHL.
Toronto Needs To Take Advantage
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be one of those teams who takes advantage of the Predators current uncertainty, and it may make sense to do so quickly before Nashville has a chance to potentially rebound and the team loses their advantage.
One name that has been floated as a potential option for the Leafs is a former alum in Ryan O'Reilly, who played just 13 games for the club but was respected by fans for his strong two-way abilities.
On Sportsnet 590, James Mirtle of 'The Athletic' had reported that the Leafs front office still has a respect for O'Reilly, and although a deal isn't anything surefire, it's not an impossible feat.
Despite this, Mirtle says a deal for O'Reilly appears unlikely, but not something that's completely impossible. It doesn't appear to be something the Leafs are currently courting to happen.
If Nashville is looking for youth, the Leafs could still move out a contract to get a deal done somewhere else.
Toronto could move out a player they can be willing to move on from, such as Nick Robertson, who has just one point in 19 games this season.
Nashville recently made a deal in acquiring a 2027 fourth round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Philip Tomasino, which should be a similar market cost to a deal involving Robertson.
Nashville has two picks in the fourth round now in 2027, as well as one each in 2025 and 2026, according to PuckPedia.
The Leafs sooner rather than later have to solve their team plan as players return from injury, including Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies who are now off injured reserve.
Toronto will want to be quick before the market starts to take it's place.
FAQ: Toronto Needs To Target Nashville Player
Q1: Why would Toronto target Ryan O'Reilly?
A1: A former Maple Leaf who helped them back in 2022, O'Reilly would be a great addition to add defense and offense to a Toronto bottom that that needs the help.
Q2: Why Nashville and not another team?
A2: Nashville is currently dealing with a lot of bad contracts due to a big free agency signing spree and they are looking to recoup assets after a rough season.
In closing, Toronto needs to trade for Ryan O'Reilly before the trade market gets too expensive or the Predators get hot and decide they need to keep the former Maple Leaf who finally helped them get over their playoff demons.
