Maple Leafs linked to Stanley Cup champion Ross Colton on the trade market

Focusing on players who can take their game to the next level during the playoffs should be a priority for Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving. After many disappointing playoff exits, the organization hopes to finally be able to reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

While the Leafs should prioritize filling the holes on the blue line, an interesting option has emerged to add some offensive depth to the lineup: Stanley Cup champion and Colorado Avalanche player Ross Colton.

First, the renowned insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the Colorado Avalanche are looking for cap flexibility, and could decide to trade away Colton, despite his reasonable $4M AAV contract with three seasons left:

Then, The Athletic's Kevin Papetti believes the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in acquiring Colton:

Colton, 27, scored 40 points last season. The Maple Leafs should be interested in his penalty-killing talents and his physical game. In 270 career regular season games, he has landed 518 hits.

Treliving has enough trade assets to make a compelling offer to the Avalanche.

In the following proposal, Colton is sent to Toronto in return for Timothy Liljegren and a 3rd round pick:

The 6-foot forward would be a great fit in Toronto, but it could mean sacrificing either Max Domi or Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency. Brad Treliving still has time to make decisions, but with only a week before the NHL draft, he could move anytime now.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Stanley Cup winner lands on trading block, makes a lot of sense for the Leafs