Friedman Gives a Rundown of the Four Main Maple Leafs Deadline Targets

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Aaron Itovitch
February 16, 2023 (12:47)

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There are now only two weeks until the NHL trade deadline.

It's now or never for Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially as trades have begun heating up already in early February.

It appears the Leafs have narrowed themselves down to four main targets, and Elliotte Friedman has now given us a rundown of the four players.

Jakob Chychrun is the most notable name on this list, and he is the most long-shot acquisition for the Leafs. Especially with rumours of the LA Kings being deep into talks, Dubas would have to get creative.

So if not the Kings, then who? Boston's considered the idea, but I don't know how likely that is. Other clubs that make sense, but appear to be out, include Edmonton, Florida and Toronto. I've wondered about Winnipeg.

On Vladislav Gavrikov:

Gavrikov doesn't fit the Kings, unless he agrees to an extension. But he's gotten interest from Boston, Edmonton and Toronto to some degree. (Always assume there are others I don't think of, or uncover.

On Patrick Kane:

I think Edmonton's interested, and has reached out. I think Dallas has considered it. I've wondered about Vegas, and my belief is Toronto wants to know whether or not it's actually in the mix before considering anything. As one GM said Wednesday, «If Patrick Kane is interested in you, you have to think about it.» This is a complicated deal, and I'm not sure how much longer anyone is willing to wait. You don't want to be the abandoned bride at the altar.

And finally on Timo Meier:

At least two teams � Carolina and New Jersey � are pushing on Timo Meier. Undoubtedly, there are more. Toronto has checked-in, everyone's wondering about Vegas, and one coach said Peter DeBoer's knowledge from San Jose makes Dallas a factor, although I've got no idea if the Stars could do it.

Another guy the Leafs may be looking at is Minnesota's Jordan Greenway, but Friedman is unsure if a deal could get done before the deadline.

It will be interesting to see if Dubas makes the move and pulls off the acquisition of one of his big names.

We will just have to wait and see.

Source: Leafs Nation