Insider Leaks Maple Leafs' Deadline Plans
The Toronto Maple Leafs are ready for another run in the playoffs. They have all the pieces to make it in, but they'll still be inevitably adding at the deadline to boost their chances.
Insider Mikey Stephens of The Hockey News has revealed the plan going into the deadline. While defense is still a question mark, the market is extremely overinflated. With that in mind, Kyle Dubas will be looking to stock up at forward.
The obvious target is San Jose Sharks winger Timo Meier, who comes in one year younger than Horvat and carries a slightly better offensive track record but is set to hit restricted free agency this summer. The extra year of team control seemingly makes Meier a more expensive asset. That's usually how these things work. But his $10-million qualifying offer will likely come in around what Horvat could command as a UFA when he goes to market, which more or less evens the playing field. Whether they go after Meier, Patrick Kane, Travis Konecny, or somebody else, expect the Leafs to boost their already-fantastic forward core for the playoffs.
Source: Hockey Feed
POLL |
Where do you think the Leafs should upgrade first? |
Defense | 527 | 54.2 % |
Offense | 217 | 22.3 % |
Goaltending | 229 | 23.5 % |
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