Maple Leafs Spotted Scouting Potential Trade Deadline Sellers
Ahead of the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs are out doing their homework as some scouts were spotted checking out the Devils and Flyers game on Saturday.
March 7's NHL Trade Deadline is only 48 days away, and while it may seem like a lot of time left to get a deal done, as the games are played and teams change their strategies, it's imperative that the Maple Leafs get something done before risking a rushed deal that hinders instead of helps.
There are several teams who are potential sellers, although with how close the playoff races have been this season, it's going to really depend on how the next two weeks play out before teams figure out their game plan, not to mention a two-week break with the 4 Nations Face-Off that has thrown a wrench into things.
So it's no surprise then that the Maple Leafs were one of 14 teams who were out scouting the Philadelphia Flyers as they took on the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Toronto Targets Center Scott Laughton
Attached to the team for a good portion of the season, Laughton would be a fantastic addition for the Maple Leafs and it helps that he has a connection to the team.
Laughton, 30, was born in Oakville; a stone's throw from Toronto and having the chance to play for his hometown club should be right up his alley. He offers Toronto the full package they're looking for and has the stats to back it up too,
For his career, he has 104 goals and 261 points but is more than capable of giving you 10-15 goals a season; much more than the Leafs current third line can offer (besides Bobby McMann perhaps).
But it's his complete game that appeals to Toronto, as he's won 49.6% of his career faceoffs, averages almost 150 hits and 45 blocks, plays both the penalty kill and powerplay, and though he doesn't have a lot of experience did have nine points in his last playoff run.
He's also only a $3M cap hit for this season and the next, so he's a reliable and cheap option for the Maple Leafs while not breaking the bank and giving them the stability they've so desperately sought this season.
Toronto Is Also Targeting Center Morgan Frost
Speaking of connections to the city, Frost's goes deeper than most as he's the son of legendary Maple Leafs PA Announcer Andy Frost; a staple for decades for fans at home games who thrilled the crowd with his exuberant personality.
But Morgan himself is a pretty darn good hockey player too. He's still a few years off his prime as he's still only 25 but has put together a solid NHL career thus far.
In his six seasons since being drafted 27th overall by the Flyers, Frost has averaged 15 goals and 25 assists per-82 games while adding almost a 50% career faceoff win percentage.
This season has been yet another solid campaign with 11 goals and 13 assists in 42 games, and is remarkably consistent defensively; nearly matching his blocks and hits, showing that he doesn't mind throwing his body around regardless of situation.
Frost is also a cheaper option at $2.1M however is a free agent at season's end, so unless Toronto can re-sign him (and if he performs well, why wouldn't they?) he's definitely a rental at least at first.
His connection to the city and his skillset gives Brad Treliving and Craig Berube the defensively sound, offensively skilled third line center, and he's also got a ton of time left to grow into a potential star if the Leafs decide to keep him around.
| POLL | ||
5 HOURS AGO | 83 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Spotted Scouting Potential Trade Deadline Sellers Who do you think Toronto will make a trade for from Philadelphia? | ||
