Two Key Players the Maple Leafs Need to Pursue to Increase Bottom Six Production

PUBLICATION

Chris Gerics
November 13, 2024 (5:05 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs desperately need production from their bottom six, so adding Frank Vatrano and Scott Laughton would solve their issues flat out.

It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are lacking in the bottom half of their lineup. From Max Domi to Nick Robertson, they've been colder than the ice they play on. It's time for a change in Toronto if they wish to salvage the season and not risk a complete failure.

The team can't do things relying on their first two lines alone, and as much as Matthews, Marner, Nylander, and company can do great things, it takes a full team effort.

So between their numerous injuries and lack of offensive firepower, it looks like Brad Treliving needs to look to the trade market, but he has two players to target that could turn the season on its head.

Target #1: Frank Vatrano

We've touched a bit on Vatrano, but the 30-year-old could use a fresh start and Toronto offers him just that. A 37-goal scorer a year ago, he's struggled with the Ducks this season and only has five points through his first 13 games. It's not awful but it's a sign that Anaheim's struggles are taking their toll.

So his arrival in Toronto will bring a player with playoff experience, a potential 20-goal, 50-point producer on their third line, and add a new look to a stagnant Toronto bottom six that has done nothing this year.

Vatrano would be an improvement over Nick Robertson, who should probably be sent the other way to get himself a fresh start as well. They could package Robertson and perhaps David Kampf to Anaheim for Vatrano and a potential mid-end prospect though at $3.65M he may be a tad pricey but it would also give Toronto their third-line warrior they need.

With some line shuffling, adding Vatrano looks like a solid piece; but they still need a dominant center who can control the ice, and offer defensive and offensive versatility which leads me to...

Target #2: Scott Laughton

A long-time Philadelphia Flyers staple, Laughton is the perfect addition to play alongside Vatrano and power forward Bobby McMann. He's a 6'1, no-nonsense two-way forward who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and give you 25-40 points any given season. He's also nasty with the puck too:

A 12-year veteran, Laughton would be a significant improvement over Max Domi or Pontus Holmberg at center, solves the Ryan Reaves issue, and adds another veteran to a young team still inexperienced in winning. He also averages over 130 hits a season, so adding that factor into the playoffs is crucial.

Adding the type of player Laughton is not only strengthens the team but the community. Laughton is a locker room leader, and a voice for fans and the city he represents. Leading by example is what Toronto needs, and for him to go out there and show them how it's done is worth any price to acquire him.

New Look Maple Leafs

So with Vatrano and Laughton added (and the logistics figured out eventually) the lines look like this:

Knies -- Domi -- Marner
Pacioretty -- Tavares -- Nylander
Vatrano -- Laughton -- McMann
Dewar -- Lorentz -- Holmberg

Splitting up Marner and Matthews is crucial to the Maple Leafs' long-term success, and their revamped third line adds a bunch of size, scoring, and speed and allows the rest of the team to have players fit the roles they need.

Brad Treliving has options when it comes to who he should pick up, but with Anaheim and Philadelphia both struggling, and Toronto having their own polarizing players; a simple swap could be what's needed to make everyone happy.