Maple Leafs Must Exploit Divisional Rival in Trade to Land Key Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to add a big piece to their roster as long as they take advantage of a struggling rival.
It's not a secret that Brad Treliving and his crew want to bring aboard one more key piece in order to complete his roster for a long playoff push.
There are a variety of options he can choose from and they would all no doubt bring an impact to the team.
But Toronto would be able to not only add to their roster but also be taking a big part of a heated division rival's team.
Per Elliotte Friedman's latest '32 Thoughts' blog, he notes that playoff teams and contenders will be checking in on Trent Frederic of the Bruins and Toronto should take that leap.
Trent Frederic Will Help the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto would be helping themselves by adding Frederic; a 6'3, 220-pound center with solid defensive metrics and offensive potential but not only because he would help their lineup but it gives Toronto a rare opportunity to steal from one of their most heated rivals.
It's not the flashiest trade in the world but it would give the Leafs stability even though he's struggling this season.
With only nine points in 28 games, it's a far cry from last season where he had 18 goals and a career-high 40 points.
Frederic would help Toronto's Top 9 immensely by not only adding scoring potential but his defensive skills and presence on the ice is a huge factor for his previous success.
He throws hits, doesn't make too many mistakes with the puck, and is another gritty big-bodied forward for Craig Berube to utilize.
Also not the most expensive option at $2.3M, Frederic would offer Toronto a cheaper alternative than some other options on the market and also give their rivals a little gut punch when it comes to taking one of their younger players.
It wouldn't be the flashiest trade for the Maple Leafs but if Brad Treliving and company want to make the best team possible, adding a young power forward who plays center and also handicapping your most heated rivals is a pretty good start.
| POLL | ||
Should Toronto take advantage and sign Trent Frederic? | ||
| Yes! | 330 | 60.1 % |
| No! | 219 | 39.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
