Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Open To Being Traded To The Leafs, Per Pierre LeBrun
NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun has given a scoop on a potential name for the Maple Leafs to trade for, and according to LeBrun; he's open to a change of scenery.
The trade talk and speculation surrounding the Maple Leafs is hot and heavy. Hardly a day passes when new reports and predictions come out of the woodwork and lead fans to wonder what move the team makes.
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the team could look West to find the type of player that fits perfectly in their system, adding grit and toughness alongside great playoff production.
Yanni Gourde's A Great Choice For The Maple Leafs
Although he doesn't fit the mold physically, standing only 5'9, but what Gourde lacks in height, he makes up for in heart. Never one to shy away from the nitty gritty when it comes to his on-ice performance, Gourde would add another dimension to the Maple Leafs.
He's a multiple time 20-goal scorer, won Stanley Cups, wins faceoffs, has great defensive IQ and is willing to fight at a moment's notice. All those check the boxes Craig Berube and Brad Treliving look for when it comes to adding the right player.
For his career, he has 131 goals and 200 assists with time spent between Tampa Bay and Seattle. Where he shines though beyond his defense is his playoff production, having 42 playoff points but in his lifetime has five game-winning goals showing his ability to be clutch when needed most.
Though he wouldn't be a cheap option given he makes $5.167M and it would be hard for the Maple Leafs to acquire him without asking for salary retention or passing off a couple of their bloated deals but if it helps them come playoff time it'll be worth it.
Though it may take a bit of work and there will be a lot of shuffling in order to get the right pieces together, Yanni Gourde could not only help the Maple Leafs solidify their playoff spot, but push them through that first round brick wall they consistently run into.
