As the NHL 2024 trade deadline rapidly approaches, teams across the league are strategizing on how to bolster their rosters for a strong playoff push. Among these, the Toronto Maple Leafs stand out, with General Manager Kyle Dubas eyeing key acquisitions to fill crucial roles. With less than a week remaining, the urgency to make impactful moves is palpable, especially for a team with high aspirations like the Maple Leafs.
Strategic Targets from Arizona
The Arizona Coyotes, amidst a rebuilding phase, present a golden opportunity for the Maple Leafs. With defenseman Matt Dumba and forward Nick Bjugstad's contracts due to expire, Toronto could seize the chance to enhance their roster significantly. Dumba's addition would especially address the Maple Leafs' need for depth and physicality on their blue line, potentially prompting the team to consider trading Jake Muzzin or Travis Dermott, both of whom are on sizable contracts with uncertain futures in Toronto.
Nick Bjugstad, an experienced forward known for his bottom-six capabilities, could significantly elevate Toronto's depth scoring. Given the Maple Leafs' injuries among their forwards, Bjugstad's offensive skills and defensive reliability would prove invaluable. Acquiring Dumba and Bjugstad from the Coyotes might not demand a heavy toll in assets, aligning with the Coyotes' strategy of amassing draft picks and young talent for their rebuild.
Contenders and Potential Trades
The playoff race tightens as teams like the Knights, Oilers, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Colorado Avalanche all scramble to fortify their forward lines before the deadline. The Boston Bruins might also be in the mix, albeit to a lesser extent. The Maple Leafs, while primarily focusing on their defensive setup, could very well join this list in pursuit of a depth forward to round out their lineup.
The Montreal Connection
The Montreal Canadiens, reportedly contemplating significant changes, have defenseman David Savard and center Sean Monahan on the trading block. Both players could address the Maple Leafs' pressing needs. Savard, a sturdy right-handed defenseman, could complement Morgan Rielly or Jake Muzzin, bolstering Toronto's top four defensive lineup. This acquisition would also provide the Maple Leafs with more trading leverage, especially concerning Travis Dermott and TJ Brodie.
Monahan, on the other hand, could solve Toronto's depth issues at the center position. With both John Tavares and Auston Matthews anchoring the top lines, a veteran presence like Monahan could bring stability and additional scoring power to the team's third-line center role. However, securing both Savard and Monahan might come at a steeper price due to Monahan's sizeable contract and Montreal's expectations for valuable returns.
Eyeing Matt Roy from Los Angeles
The Toronto Maple Leafs also show keen interest in Matt Roy from the Los Angeles Kings. Roy, renowned for his solid defense, could significantly strengthen Toronto's right-side defense, complementing the team's top four. His impending free agency and reasonable contract terms make him an appealing target for the Maple Leafs, who may also consider trading Muzzin, Dermott, or Brodie to make way for newer and potentially more cost-effective talent. The Kings’ financial constraints could force them to deal Roy before the deadline, positioning the Maple Leafs as a prime beneficiary of such a trade.
Seattle's Adam Larsson and Potential Trade Scenarios
While a trade with the Seattle Kraken for Adam Larsson seems unlikely due to Seattle's reluctance to part with him, the possibility merits discussion. Acquiring Larsson would enhance Toronto's top-four defensive ranks, potentially in both the short and long term, should he decide to re-sign post-contract. Similarly, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare could offer valuable depth and defensive prowess at the center position, though the deal's feasibility remains questionable given Seattle's position on Larsson.
Renowned sports journalist Pierre LeBrun encapsulated the current market, noting, "The playoff contenders trying to land a forward before Friday’s trade deadline are the Knights and Oilers, as mentioned, plus the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Maybe the Boston Bruins are, too, to some degree, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Toronto Maple Leafs looked for a depth forward."
With the trade deadline looming, the Toronto Maple Leafs are positioning themselves as aggressive players in the market, seeking to augment their lineup for a deep playoff run. The potential acquisitions and trades discussed reflect the team's commitment to achieving this goal, underscoring the importance of strategic moves in the ever-competitive NHL arena.