As the Toronto Maple Leafs preside with a 12-6-2 record, it would be wise for GM Brad Treliving to look for more power forwards for the team as the season progresses. In general, by the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, this team should be primed to add more skill and speed to its arsenal that would indefinitely complement the grit and toughness it has amassed with the forwards, especially with the defensive aspect of the team.
While some flaws in the team may take time to be apparent, the management must have a clear vision and be proactive in addressing any potential issues. This foresight will ensure that necessary changes are made promptly, maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Understanding that the roster is somewhat complete may not be the answer for the coaching staff to work with. Also, tweaking the lines for more depth players that complement the Core 4 would be the correct answer.
How trading away a couple of assets might solve the solution, and utilizing the talent on the roster for a couple of blockbuster trades would perhaps get the Maple Leafs over the hump, including their respective cap space.
Two players the Toronto Maple Leafs may use as trade baits for a star player
Two names that come to mind when thinking of possibly gambling away the essential assets to the team would have to be forward Nick Robertson.
Being fan favorites and solid depth players, looking to complete the team with skill and speed by a margin of superstar to elite would indeed be complemented by trading away the two in what would be a massive overhaul of the roster for two notable names that have ingredients to carry the team well into the post-season.
The most significant return you could get from trading Nick Robertson, who has the speed and skill to help win games but not enough playoff experience to carry the team to the point where they would win games consistently. This is a feat the team currently needs help with.
He is a solid depth player who plays on the first line, and rather than giving up Mitch Marner, it would be wise to investigate the possibility of shopping for a young player with tremendous potential to excel.
Bobby McMann is another aspect to consider when it comes to winning games during the post-season campaign because of his scoring talent and ability to get shots on the net and produce opportunities for his teammates.
What type of players would I consider adding to the Toronto Maple Leafs roster when trading away these two star forwards?
The star forward the Toronto Maple Leafs may acquire
The first that comes to mind would have to be forward Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. His craftiness and ability to make plays on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner would make him a prime candidate to help perform better at odds for the Leafs team.
The Duck’s management is currently shopping him, and in my opinion, he would positively complement the Maple Leafs roster by being flexible to perform on the team's top two lines. Giving up a player like Nic Robertson for the elite forward would make sense for both teams, where one is rebuilding, and the other is looking to advance far in the playoffs.
Bobby McMann could be part of a package that would trade for a player with added grit and speed to his game. A player that comes to mind when looking at the options the Maple Leafs would have to be an elite player who would fit into the top six forward line with the Core 4 already intact, along with forward Trevor Zegras.
Another reason to trade the two forwards from the Maple Leafs for forward Trevor Zegras is that sweetening the pot with the two forwards may help Anaheim consider retaining half of Zegras’ contract.
Depending on the type of talent the Maple Leafs management would be looking for, these forwards or forwards would have to be depth-enabled players who could score consistently. They perform their duties to the best of their abilities and can play under head coach Craig Berube's gameplay style.