The Maple Leafs may be heading toward a desperation trade, and it feels closer than ever
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
We may be headed towards a big trade for the Maple Leafs according to Darren Dreger though it could end up coming at the cost of a potential overpayment.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs don't start turning things around soon, the question of whether or not they are going to be buyers or sellers becomes much more pertinent as the trade deadline inches closer.
But if they end up going from a basement dweller to a playoff contender once again, the team may decide to pursue one more shot at glory and that means making a deal for a star player with on the backend or up front.
Toronto could be in the market to make a blockbuster trade
At least that's what TSN's Darren Dreger believes, as the insider appeared on the Nielson Show to discuss the Maple Leafs' deadline plans and explained that Toronto is getting to a point where they need to make a decision -- and could try and make a splash:
Could the Maple Leafs be one of those teams that just by looking at the standings...goes ok we need something here, we need a spark; that kinda perfect storm comes together where you've got a buyer who is willing to consider overpaying.
Though it's questionable what exactly the Maple Leafs can offer teams considering what little they have, but if Dreger is to be believed then it means whatever is left is out the door.
So what does that really mean for Toronto?
Maple Leafs cannot and should not make a splash this season
First of all, if you're talking about top assets then that means almost certainly that Easton Cowan is being discussed, as well as Ben Danford. Those are arguably Toronto's top two prospects on both forward and defense so right there is a premium price.
Tack on their last feasible draft picks, including their 2028 first-rounder and 2026 third-rounder and you're looking at an older, expensive, slower team with a pipeline that isn't exactly deep and with no picks to really build it back up.
If the Maple Leafs were in a better spot; say in Buffalo or Montreal's position, then it would be much easier to understand them going all-in and making a trade for someone like a Dougie Hamilton or Jordan Kyrou.
But as the team looks as disappointing as ever, and racked with injuries and a lack of consistency, it would show a lack of foresight from Brad Treliving. If he can't recognize the team isn't good enough overall; one star player won't fix everything.
If they need a spark, getting rid of their last bit of the future certainly does that.
It's too bad that spark is going to lead to a complete and utter explosion which will decimate the Maple Leafs which could (and probably should) spell the end of Treliving in Toronto.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs scouts keep showing up for the same team, and it's starting to look like a trade is brewing
Maple Leafs scouts keep showing up for the same team, and it's starting to look like a trade is brewing
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28|1269 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs may be heading toward a desperation trade, and it feels closer than ever Do you think the Maple Leafs are in a position to make a trade to acquire a star? | ||
| Yes | 342 | 27 % |
| No | 927 | 73 % |
| List of polls | ||