The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to search for whatever help they can get to boost their top-six forward group following Mitch Marner’s departure. The club has already made trades to acquire potential fill-ins like Matias Maccelli.
Unfortunately, none of the other acquisitions, such as Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua, profiles as a genuine replacement for Marner. So, the Maple Leafs could look for help from another source.
According to insider Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs could be looking to bring in recently reinstated Dillon Dube. Dube was one of the five NHLers involved in the Hockey Canada trial. His acquittal last month opened the door for his return to the NHL.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Treliving and the Toronto Maple
Despite getting a temporary ban, teams were reportedly interested in landing the 27-year-old if and when he became eligible to play. Dube will be able to hit the ice on December 1, and could provide the Maple Leafs with some much-needed scoring punch in the top six.
Most importantly, the former second-round pick of the Calgary Flames in the 2016 NHL Draft could find a spot on the Leafs roster as soon as he’s able to join the team.
As for contract terms, it’s unclear how much Dube could sign for and for how long. He had signed a three-year, $6.9 million contract with the Flames in 2021. The deal expired after the 2023-24 season. The Flames did not issue Dube a qualifying offer, immediately making him a UFA. Now, he’s free to sign with whatever team chooses to bring him in.
How Dube Fits into Maple Leafs Lineup
Dillon Dube is a versatile forward. He can play center and wing. He’s officially a left winger, which could make him a better fit in the Maple Leafs’ second line. According to Daily Faceoff, Max Domi will take up the second-line left-wing role.
But there’s a chance that Domi moves up to the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. So, unless Dube could play on the top line on the right side of Matthews, he could be better suited for the second-line spot.
However, it’s plausible that Dube may not work out in the Maple Leafs’ top six. That could complicate matters, as there really isn’t much room for him in the bottom six. Nevertheless, coach Craig Berube may try him down the middle. He could either slot in the third-line center role or perhaps get a look on the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander on the wings.
Dube Would Be Low-Risk Experiment for Toronto
Adding Dube to the mix would be a low-risk experiment for the Maple Leafs. If he signs for a relatively affordable contract, the cost could make the risk worthwhile.
The Maple Leafs currently have a smidge under $2 million in cap space. So, the club could afford to bring him in on a rather cheap contract. Perhaps a one-year, prove-it deal could work. If he shows that he’s still got the talent to play in the NHL, the Leafs could extend Dube on a better deal once the next salary cap increase kicks in next summer.
Maple Leafs Linked to Reinstated Top 6 Forward