Why the Maple Leafs Must Avoid Trading for Elias Pettersson at All Costs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make a splash at the trade deadline, but if they wanted to make sure they didn't drown they should avoid Elias Pettersson.

With the Maple Leafs attached to a lot of top names this coming trade deadline, there's a distinct possibility the team makes a big trade on or before March 7 in hopes of gearing up for a deep playoff push.

But amongst the big names like Brayden Schenn, Brock Nelson, and Dylan Cozens, there's one name that the Maple Leafs should avoid at all costs: Elias Pettersson.

It was a rough showing for Pettersson during the 4 Nations, as he couldn't record a point even though Sweden scored eight goals, and playing less than 10 minutes in a victory is not a positive sign.

So why exactly should the Maple Leafs avoid Pettersson?

Let's take a look.

Look, call it a coincidence but since J.T. Miller left Vancouver he has four points in five games.

Pettersson has four points since Jan. 21; so was Miller really the problem?

This season, Pettersson has put together only 11 goals and 23 assists; a stark contrast from the 73 goals and 118 assists over the past two seasons.

Whatever drama he had with Miller clearly affected him, and he hasn't been able to shake it.

But beyond him having a lack of production; there's absolutely no way Toronto is prepared to pay his $11.6M hit, especially with so many more pressing issues at hand.

While there's no denying the talent Pettersson has, the Maple Leafs don't need him as their answer to their problems.

The team needs offense yes, but they also need defense, penalty killing, and toughness and Pettersson offers only the first.

Plus you have to realize what Toronto's giving up in a potential deal.

They're losing every good pick they have, at minimum Easton Cowan, plus one or two NHL-ready playersthat's IF Toronto isn't getting any salary retained.

It's tempting to go after a target like Pettersson, who with a fresh start outside of Vancouver could become even better than his former self.

But the Toronto Maple Leafs can't afford him financially, as a roster fit, and needs to avoid Pettersson at all costs, or ruin themselves in a flash.

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