Recent Update Reveals Two Likely Trading Partners for the Maple Leafs: Both in the Eastern Conference
The Toronto Maple Leaf have some eyes on the Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins, signaling a potential trade could be in the works.
There has been loads of speculation involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and a potential trade in the future.
The team team recently checked out the Seattle Kraken vs. New York Islanders game in hopes of finding their next big piece.
They didn't stop there though, as they were seen recently at the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Boston Bruins game, trying to gauge what it may cost them to acquire either David Jiricek (CBJ) or Trent Frederic (BOS).
So with Toronto trying to find the right fit for their club, who could be the missing piece for the Maple Leafs?
Blue Jackets Defenseman David Jiricek
It's been an unfortunate struggle for young David Jiricek, the Blue Jackets' 6th overall pick in 2022.
After a solid showing last year in only 43 games, he's struggled to find a spot in the lineup after a regime change.
The team also recently just assigned him to the AHL as well to give him some reps, but it seems the writing is on the wall for Jiricek.
Standing 6'4 and still only 20 years old, he would be a fantastic addition to the Maple Leafs but would cost a premium for sure.
GM Don Waddell has said he is willing to take on some bad assets and perhaps Toronto can find a sweetener to nab Jiricek.
A right-handed defenseman, he fits perfectly with not only Craig Berube's need for size but his love of a left/right defense pairing.
He would be another offensive weapon for the team and while he still has some work defensively, what better way than with some of the league's elite?
He's got 11 points in 53 career NHL games however has the potential to get a ton of points due to his heavy shot and solid playmaking vision.
The price is going to be crazy for sure, but Toronto could produce a package together involving David Kampf, Nick Robertson, and one of their mid-end prospects like Nathan Mayes.
Toronto could be in business and have a potential elite defenseman for the next few years if they could swing a deal for a disgruntled Jiricek.
Boston Bruins Forward Trent Frederic
If there was ever a Craig Berube player, Trent Frederic is it.
Standing 6'3, and 220 pounds of pure energy, he would be a massive part of revamping the Maple Leafs' bottom six.
26 years old, and coming into his own last season, Frederic struggled earlier this season however has picked things up a bit, but is still only at 6 points in 20 games.
It's not his fault, as the Bruins altogether have been atrocious, and recently fired their head coach.
He could be the perfect reclamation project, and he's registered 35 goals and 71 points over the last two seasons.
His drive and energy are what Toronto needs to kickstart their production and why not do it while stealing a heated rival's player?
An unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, Frederic would be a cheaper option than Jiricek and offers Toronto more versatility in terms of what they currently need.
It's tough to see Boston and Toronto coming together to make a trade but stranger things have happened.
Brad Treliving needs to avoid pulling a Tuukka Rask and sending too much for the present season and sacrifice the future.
He could dangle Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, and a prospect like Mayes or Semyon Der-Arguchintsev to acquire Frederic.
It may cost more than they anticipated, but the chance to acquire a potential stud defenseman or the missing piece to your offense: That's worth it to me.
| POLL | ||
Who should the Maple Leafs trade for? | ||
| David Jiricek | 40 | 7.1 % |
| Trent Frederic | 138 | 24.5 % |
| Both | 88 | 15.6 % |
| Neither | 298 | 52.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
