Maple Leafs May Be Forced to Rethink Trade Strategy, per Elliotte Friedman
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman opened up in his recent 32 Thoughts article about Toronto potentially needing to adjust their trade target ahead of March 7.
With headlines surrounding who, when and what the Maple Leafs are going to trade for ahead of March 7th's trade deadline,, a litany of potential options have emerged from the woodwork as potential candidates to help Toronto make a deep playoff push.
From frugal players to superstar pipe dreams, there are many ways Brad Treliving can improve his team for now, though it may come at a cost of their future.
One thing that hasn't changed is Toronto wants control, and they desire a player with more term on their deal than an upcoming free agent.
But with some options slipping away, and Toronto not sitting with the best collection of assets, what is the team going to do? Elliotte Friedman has a idea of how they'll shift gears if they lose out on what they want.
Elliotte Friedman Says Term Matters But Isn't A Deal-Breaker
Speaking briefly on Toronto's trade strategy in his latest 32 Thoughts article, Friedman laid it out plainly:
Preference is always desired when it comes to your ideal option but if the perfect option somehow falls into your lap, how can you say no?
Take for example the $2.1M contract of Nick Bjugstad; if Toronto was able to swing a low-risk deal for a player making less than David Kampf but offers second and third line production in addition to great defense, faceoff skills and loves to throw his weight around which is a staple in a Craig Berube lineup.
But he's a free agent, and while Toronto would love to keep him, he isn't going to cost a fortune when it comes to an extension, and if you look at Toronto's cheap signings this season; they've provided a lot more value than initially believed.
The issue with Toronto wanting a player with term is a signal that perhaps the team isn't focused on re-signing Mitch Marner at any cost, and could look to use his money in order to bring in a player with term, and open up money for the 2026 free agent class.
Toronto may need to shift gears when it comes to acquiring the pieces they want. They've taken a chance before on players who perhaps didn't fit the mold, but have brought a positive impact. There's always a diamond in the rough somewhere.
Time for Brad Treliving to start digging.
