NHL Reporter Reveals the Exact Type of Center Leafs Are Eyeing Ahead of Trade Deadline
The one desired forward type for the Toronto Maple Leafs is now known thanks to one NHL Insider.
A Leafs trade for a center has been something the team has been linked to for the past while now, with multiple names having been mentioned, preferably a scoring center with term.
A new report from The Athletic's Jonas Siegel shares that the Leafs are looking for a two-way defensive center who could play against other team's top lines if necessary.
It seems the Toronto Maple Leafs have a specific type of center they are looking for, a player who can score and as well play a defensively responsible game, all while being able to contribute in a top-nine role.
Potential Center Trade Options For The Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs want a center with more than a year on their contract, and can score while playing defense.
One player who fits the goal for a scoring, two-way center is the New York Islanders' Brock Nelson.
Nelson has 10 goals and 21 points in 37 games this season.
Nelson is a consistent two-way center who could play in the Leafs middle-six.
His defensive awareness has stagnated slowly at the age of 33, but is still serviceable and gives Craig Berube another big-bodied forward to put out on the ice.
The only downside is that Nelson is not a long-term option, at least right now, with his contract up at the end of this season.
Another option that could make sense for what the Leafs are looking for is Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost.
Frost, 25, had seven goals and 17 points in 33 games for the Flyers this season. Frost has in the past clashed with Philly head coach John Tortorella, and could use a change of scenery.
There's also a Toronto connection with Frost and the Leafs, with Morgan's dad, Andy, a former PA announcer for the Leafs.
Frost has a decent scoring ability and plays a solid defensive game, but could get even more out of his play elsewhere with more chances.
Like Nelson, Frost is a free agent at the end of this season, but the Leafs have leverage as Frost is a RFA, and he's fairly cheap too ashe's only making $2.1M yearly.
Former Toronto Maple Leaf Ryan O'Reilly also fits the bill.
O'Reilly is in the second year of a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators who have consistently been in the NHL's basement this season.
O'Reilly has eight goals and 21 points, as well as 15 takeaways this season.
Yanni Gourde has been another player frequently linked to Toronto recently.
Gourde seems to be a player Toronto values highly, but in the final-year of his deal, and just 5'9, the Leafs may be tempted towards other options for a goalscoring center who can contribute at both ends of the ice.
It's a lot of homework for Brad Treliving and the team, but with how badly they need offense and a true center in their Top 9, a move will eventually be made for better or for worse.
| POLL | ||
Who mentioned in this article would be the best fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
