The Toronto Maple Leafs are still searching for consistency as the season moves along. With a 16-15-5 record, they currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. They have also dropped five of their last seven games.
As the struggles continue, Toronto appears open to making roster changes. And one new name has surfaced in trade speculation. An NHL insider has linked the Leafs to a Nashville Predators winger. This move could help take some of the offensive pressure off captain Auston Matthews.
Maple Leafs Named Possible Destination for Predators’ $27.5M Winger
Toronto is coming off a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, but a single win hasn’t altered its position near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. To stay in the playoff race, the Leafs will need more consistency, healthier bodies in the lineup, and potentially outside help via the trade market.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs are among the teams to watch when it comes to Nashville Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault. He is in the second year of a five-year, $27.5 million deal.
“One can argue the last thing the struggling Leafs need is another aging player. But hear me out. The Leafs don’t have many assets to trade,” LeBrun said.
From Nashville’s perspective, the focus would be on shedding the remaining three years of the contract rather than extracting a premium return, potentially keeping the cost lower than that of other high-end targets.
However, Marchessault would need to approve any trade. He has a full no-movement clause. Still, a chance to play a top-six role alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares could make Toronto an appealing option.
“Again, I can see how some Leafs fans just want the whole thing rebuilt now and no more trades for veterans,” LeBrun said. But general manager Brad Treliving isn’t ready to wave the “white flag just yet”.
Meanwhile, insider Chris Johnston has also mentioned the Montreal Canadiens as a potential suitor. “This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault… The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase,” Johnston added.
Making the finances work would require salary heading the other way, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit standing out as a possible piece.
ALSO READ: Maple Leafs Steering Clear of Former Veteran HC Despite Disastrous Powerplay Slump
For now, it remains unclear whether Nashville will ultimately make Marchessault available, but his name is one to watch.
Hughes was what we needed, leafs let the big one getaway.