New Rumor Links Brad Treliving to Potential Revival of Failed Maple Leafs Trade
Toronto could be getting close to a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Flyers as talks heat up after previous reports resurfaced showing keen interest in Rasmus Ristolainen in addition to Scott Laughton.
With all the talk about Toronto potentially going after Philadelphia's Scott Laughton, they would be doing themselves a disservice by not checking in on Rasmus Ristolainen.
According to some old reports that have resurfaced however -- Brad Treliving has had his eyes set on him for a while and could go after him again this season.
Meanwhile, former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was keenly interested in acquiring Scott Laughton previously, according to NHL Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman:
So it leads us to question -- Are the Maple Leafs gearing up for a revived blockbuster?
Toronto Could Pull Off Blockbuster To Solve All Issues
What a deal this would be eh? It's not Mikko Rantanen levels of blockbuster but it's certainly a game changer.
Toronto instantly improves down the middle with Laughton, and the Toronto native would love nothing more than to win with his hometown team.
Laughton, 30, has 11 goals and 15 assists in 54 games with the Flyers. Adding him would improve Toronto's penalty kill, give their third line a lot more grit and toughness (not just by hitting either), and give the team a chance to spread out their depth a bit.
Ristolainen has been subject of trade talks as well for a good portion of the season and with Philadelphia spinning their wheels -- it's time for greener pastures.
The former 8th overall pick has never seen the postseason, and Toronto would give him one of the best chances to not only make the playoffs; but win.
This season, Ristolainen has 2 goals and 13 assists in 54 games, but has improved considerable on defense under John Tortorella and can always be counted on for tons of hits and blocked shots.
Adding him alongside Morgan Rielly would give Toronto another shutdown defensive stud, but give Rielly the protection he needs when he inevitably pinches in the offensive zone.
Money may be a concern as while Laughton is fairly cheap at $3M, Ristolainen comes in at $5.1M for the next two seasons after this so salary retention is a necessity.
There's no doubt a lot of moving pieces, salary retention and draft picks are being traded but if it gives Toronto the best chance for a Stanely Cup: -- That's priceless.
But what do YOU think? Should Toronto go all-in and trade for both Scott Laughton and Rasmus Ristolainen? Should they go after one? Let us know!
