Maple Leafs Trade Speculation Grows After Two Players Unexpectedly Absent
It was a strange absence for two of Toronto's biggest prospects ahead of their latest AHL game -- could a rumored potential blockbuster deal be in the works?
The Toronto Marlies were set to take the Laval Rocket on Friday night, however the absence of Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin drew concerns. We all know about the rumours of a potential trade in the works -- Could either man be sent elsewhere?
There's no word yet on the reason why both men were missing, but if the Leafs were to make a move involving either man -- that means someone big is potentially coming in.
But things could be getting even hotter as both men were not in the lineup either for Saturday's game against Laval.
Who Could The Maple Leafs Trade For?
Among the smaller names on the list like a Luke Schenn or Ryan Donato, there are several premium names available that a Minten/Grebenkin offer could fetch:
- Brock Nelson (C, NYI)
- Yani Gourde (C, SEA)
- Noah Dobson (D, NYI)
- Dylan Cozens (C, BUF)
All of these players would bring a huge boost to the Maple Leafs lineup, and though they come at a high cost; winning now is of vital importance.
Let's see why both Minten and Grebenkin could be big trade pieces for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs:
Fraser Minten (C): Drafted 38th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2022, Minten has shown he can hang already at the NHL level even if his offence hasn't picked up yet.
In 15 games with the Maple Leafs this season, he has 2 goals and 2 assists while adding 36 hits and winning nearly 48% of his face-offs.
Projected to be a good 2C and a great 3C, Minten's two-way ability only has time to improve, and his readiness now is a big plus to a team looking to part ways with older talent.
With the Marlies, Minten has 5 goals and 5 assists in 16 games and made his season debut later in the year after suffering an injury.
Nikita Grebenkin (F): Drafted 135th overall in 2022, Grebenkin is more of a wildcard when it comes to his potential, but he has a lot going for him that should entice teams.
He's already seasoned in pro hockey with KHL experience, is only 21, stands 6'2, weighs 210 pounds but moves like lightning.
Grebenkin enjoyed a brief stint with the Maple Leafs this season due to injury struggles. He posted zero points in 7 games.
With the Marlies however, Grebenkin has 8 goals and 8 assists in 29 games while adding a 21.6% shot percentage.
Either player would be a great boost to a team's bottom six, and if the Maple Leafs are trying to do their best to win, they have to part ways with one or both of them.
It could be a case of miscommunication, or perhaps the Leafs need some insurance in Vancouver.
But the absence of Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin leads us to wonder -- Are the Maple Leafs selling the farm?
What do YOU think? Are the Maple Leafs trading Fraser Minten or Nikita Grebenkin?
